- Slang term meaning excellent, cool, impressive, or amazing.
- Paradoxically uses a negative word (sick, meaning ill) to express a strong positive sentiment.
Explanation
Origin
- The positive meaning of sick likely emerged from skater, surfer, or snowboarder slang in the late 20th century, possibly originating in California.
- It spread through youth culture, music (especially punk and hip-hop), and extreme sports.
- The inversion of meaning (negative word used positively) is a common feature in slang evolution (cf. bad meaning good, wicked meaning cool).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Dope
- Awesome
- Rad
- Wicked
- Ill
- Tight
- Insane / Crazy
- Lit / Fire
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking sick!
- Sick AF (Sick As Fuck)
- Badass
Milder/Standard:
- Impressive
- Amazing
- Excellent
- Incredible
- Cool
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal slang.
- Use primarily with peers in casual settings, especially within youth culture, gaming, extreme sports, or music contexts where this slang is common.
- Avoid completely in formal or professional settings, or with people unfamiliar with current slang, as they might only understand the literal meaning (ill).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- High potential for misunderstanding by those unfamiliar with the slang, who will assume it means ill or unpleasant. Context (usually enthusiastic tone, positive subject) helps, but it's best avoided if unsure of the audience.
Examples
- That skateboard trick was sick!
- Dude, your new car is sick!
- That concert had a sick light show.
- He scored a sick goal. (Meaning very skillful and impressive)
Dialogue
Jake: Did you see that snowboard video I sent you?
Kyle: Yeah, dude! That jump off the cliff? That was sick!
Jake: I know! The way she landed it perfectly... insane.
Kyle: Totally sick.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Comment on a car photo: That wrap is sick! 🔥
- Tweet about a game: Just pulled off a sick combo in the new fighting game! #Gaming #Skills
- YouTube Title: Sickest Skateboarding Tricks Compilation 2023
- Message: Yo, check out this new track, the beat is sick.
Response Patterns
When something of yours is called sick:
- Thanks, man!
- Haha, glad you like it.
- Right? (Informal agreement)
When agreeing that something is sick:
- Totally sick!
- I know, right?
- So cool.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Express more admiration: Seriously, how did you do that? or Where did you get it?
- Share the enthusiasm: Let's watch it again!
- Continue discussing the impressive item/event.
Conversation Starter
- No. A descriptive adjective or reaction.
Intonation
- Emphasis strongly on SICK.
- Usually said with genuine admiration or excitement. Whoa, that's SICK!
Generation Differences
- Most common among Gen Z and Millennials. Gen X might be familiar with it from its origins but use it less. Older generations are unlikely to use it and might be confused by it. Its peak popularity might have been in the 2000s-2010s.
Regional Variations
- Originated in the US (likely California) but spread globally through media and subcultures. Usage might be more concentrated in certain youth groups or subcultures.