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
A combination of 'Heim' (home) and 'Tücke' (malice, spite). It conveys the idea of malice that is concealed, as if kept at home.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'trick' (Tücke) being plotted at 'home' (Heim), hidden from view, which makes it treacherous.