That's too bad

[0159] What a shame

🎲 Oh man
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • An expression of regret or disappointment about something unfortunate that has happened. Very similar to That's too bad.

Origin

  • Uses 'shame' in the sense of 'a regrettable or unfortunate thing or fact'.
  • This meaning of 'shame' dates back centuries, distinct from the feeling of guilt or embarrassment.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • That's too bad.
  • Bummer. (Informal)
  • That's unfortunate. (More formal)
  • How disappointing.
  • It's a pity.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • That sucks.
  • That's rubbish. (UK/Aus)

Milder/More Formal:

  • That is regrettable.
  • It's unfortunate that...

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in most informal and semi-formal situations. Generally seen as slightly more formal or traditional than That's too bad or Bummer.
  • Suitable for expressing sympathy for minor to moderate misfortunes. Like That's too bad, it might sound insufficient for major tragedies.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might confuse this meaning of 'shame' (regrettable situation) with 'shame' meaning embarrassment or disgrace. Context usually makes the 'regrettable' meaning clear.

Examples

  • They had to cancel the festival due to rain. What a shame.
  • He practiced so hard but didn't win. What a shame.
  • It's such a beautiful old building, what a shame they're tearing it down.

Dialogue

Person A: Did you hear that Jane is moving away?

Person B: No, I didn't! Oh, what a shame. I'll miss having her around.

Person A: Me too. It's for a new job, though, so good for her.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Such a beautiful mural, what a shame it's being painted over. #StreetArt #Loss
  • Comment on a news article about a business closing: What a shame, I loved that place.
  • Facebook Post: Heard the park cleanup event was cancelled due to lack of volunteers. What a shame.

Response Patterns

  • Agreement: Isn't it? / I know. / It really is.
  • Acknowledgment: Yeah.
  • Elaboration: Yeah, everyone was really looking forward to it.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing What a shame:

  • The person who shared the news might agree and add more details about the unfortunate situation.

After saying What a shame:

  • Might be followed by expressing hope for a better outcome next time or exploring reasons. What a shame. Why did they decide to cancel?

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a reaction to information.

Intonation

  • Emphasis often on shame. What a SHAME.
  • Can also emphasize What. WHAT a shame.
  • Falling intonation, expressing regret or sympathy.

Generation Differences

  • Used by all generations, but perhaps slightly more common among older generations compared to Bummer or That sucks.

Regional Variations

  • Common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. Also used and understood in American English, but perhaps less frequently than That's too bad.
That's too bad
🎲 Oh man