heimtückisch
Translation
malicious, insidious, treacherous, perfidious
Examples
Das war ein heimtückischer Angriff.
That was a malicious attack.
Die Krankheit verläuft oft heimtückisch.
The disease often progresses insidiously.
Grammar Patterns
((as adjective)) malicious... That was a malicious attack.
((as adverb)) insidiously... The disease often progresses insidiously.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bösartig, hinterhältig; Antonyms: ehrlich, aufrichtig
Etymology
From 'Heim' (home) and 'Tücke' (malice, trickery). It describes malice that is hidden, not shown openly.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'trick' (Tücke) that is kept hidden at 'home' (Heim) to be used against someone maliciously.