City-slicker(informal)

A city-slicker is an informal term used to describe a person, typically from a city, who is perceived as being sophisticated, stylish, and worldly, but also perhaps naive or out of place in a rural or less urbanized environment. The term often implies a contrast between urban and rural lifestyles and values. It suggests a certain superficiality or lack of genuine understanding of country life or simpler ways of living. While sometimes used neutrally, it can also carry a tone of gentle mockery or condescension, particularly when someone’s urban habits or assumptions clash with a more traditional or down-to-earth setting. This can also extend to someone from an urban background finding it difficult to understand the struggles or values of a rural town.

City-slicker(informal) meaning with examples

• When the city-slicker tried to haggle over the price of hay, the farmer just chuckled and said, "You wouldn't understand." He just thought the slicker didn't know the value of an honest day’s work. The urbanite, used to negotiating in corporate boardrooms, was completely out of their depth in the rustic setting. The encounter highlighted a clash of perspectives and values between the two worlds.
• Sarah, a true city-slicker, showed up at the camping trip wearing designer hiking boots. She got them dirty quick. She'd never slept in a tent before. Her friends all teased her about this as she tried to light a fire with a lighter and premium birchwood. The whole experience was a comedy of errors as she grappled with the unfamiliar challenges of the great outdoors, while they went swimming.
• During the town hall meeting, the proposal to build a skyscraper in the middle of the quiet countryside was immediately rejected by the locals. They viewed the developers as city-slickers attempting to impose their urban vision on their peaceful community, that was filled with traditional values. Their lack of understanding of rural life was obvious when the developers were confused with the term "the old ways".
• The city-slicker tourist, eager to experience the 'authentic' country lifestyle, rented a horse, only to be terrified by its every move. They couldn't figure out how to get on. Their attempt to look like a seasoned rider was hilariously unsuccessful, much to the amusement of the locals. They then tripped and fell, ruining their fancy boots on the mud in the stables.