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Original · left

Sticky (adhesive)

Tending to stick to things, like glue or tape.

First in use: ancient / pre-modern
Duplicate · right

Sticky (UI)

An element that stays fixed in view as the user scrolls.

First in use: the 2010s

Sticky / Sticky (adhesive) / Sticky (UI)

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Duplicate share · 12 mo—
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Sticky notes vs. position: sticky.

Which meaning of Sticky is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Sticky (adhesive) came first (ancient / pre-modern). Sticky (UI) arrived in the 2010s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Sticky (adhesive)Sticky (UI)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · ancient / pre-modern

Sticky (adhesive)

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Duplicate · the 2010s

Sticky (UI)

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More duplicated terms

Design & UX