- Means wonderful, excellent, exceptional, or superb.
- Often implies a sense of style, glamour, or high quality.
- Can sometimes be associated with theatricality or effervescence.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from fable, originally meaning celebrated in fable or legendary.
- Evolved to mean incredible or wonderful by the 19th century.
- Gained particular connotations of glamour and style in the 20th century, partly through fashion and entertainment industries, and association with flamboyant personalities or within LGBTQ+ culture (especially drag culture).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Awesome
- Amazing
- Gorgeous (for looks)
- Stunning (for looks/impressiveness)
- Killer (Slang for excellent/impressive, e.g., killer outfit)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fucking fabulous! (Used for strong emphasis)
- Absolutely stunning
Milder/More Formal:
- Excellent
- Wonderful
- Superb
- Exceptional
- Splendid
- Marvelous
- Outstanding
Situational Appropriateness
- Can range from informal to semi-formal. Appropriate in most social situations.
- Widely used in contexts related to fashion, entertainment, events, and personal appearance.
- Less common in very technical, dry, or strictly professional business contexts, where excellent or outstanding might be preferred. However, it's not strictly slang.
- Its sometimes flamboyant connotation means usage might vary based on personal style.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood as a strong positive adjective.
- Some might perceive it as slightly gushing or overly enthusiastic depending on the context and delivery. Its association with glamour or flamboyance might not fit all situations or speakers.
Examples
- You look absolutely fabulous in that dress!
- We had a fabulous time on vacation.
- What a fabulous idea!
- The party decorations were simply fabulous.
Dialogue
Claire: What did you think of the new restaurant?
David: Oh, darling, it was fabulous! The food was divine, and the ambiance was just perfect.
Claire: Really? I'll have to try it.
David: You absolutely must. You'd love it. Simply fabulous.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram caption: Feeling fabulous on my birthday! 🎂✨ #BirthdayGirl #Fabulous #Celebration
- Tweet: Just saw the musical the costumes were absolutely fabulous! #Theatre #Broadway #Fabulous
- Facebook comment: You look fabulous, honey! Great picture!
- Pinterest Pin Description: Fabulous DIY home decor ideas.
Response Patterns
When told you look/did something fabulous:
- Oh, thank you! (Often with genuine pleasure)
- Aw, you think so?
- Glad you like it!
When agreeing something is fabulous:
- Isn't it just?
- Absolutely fabulous!
- Totally.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Compliment further: Seriously, the color is perfect on you.
- Ask for details: Where did you get it? or Tell me all about the trip!
- Share the positive feeling: I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to describe something or react positively.
Intonation
- Often said with enthusiasm and a slightly elongated or emphasized first syllable: FAB-u-lous!
- Can convey genuine admiration, excitement, or sometimes a touch of playful exaggeration.
Generation Differences
- Understood and used by most generations, though perhaps more frequently by Baby Boomers and Gen X than the very youngest generations, who might favor newer slang.
- Has enduring use, particularly among women and within LGBTQ+ communities.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions (UK, US, Australia, etc.). Perhaps slightly more common or associated with certain social registers in British English.