- An exclamation expressing surprise, amazement, approval, or enthusiasm.
- Similar to Wow!, Cool!, or That's amazing!.
Explanation
Origin
- Originated in the jazz and beatnik subcultures of the 1950s.
- Became strongly associated with the hippie counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s.
- Far out suggested something unconventional, mind-expanding, or distant from the mainstream norm.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Modern):
- Sick!
- Dope!
- That's lit!
- Insane! (Meaning amazing)
- Wild!
Slang/Informal (Retro/Dated):
- Groovy!
- Outta sight!
- Right on!
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Holy shit!
- Fucking awesome!
- No fucking way!
Milder/Standard:
- That's wonderful!
- How interesting!
- That's quite something!
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal.
- Strongly associated with past eras (60s/70s).
- Using it today often sounds intentionally retro, nostalgic, or slightly quirky/humorous.
- Generally acceptable in casual conversation, especially if the speaker embraces a retro vibe, but might sound out of place in formal or professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take it literally, thinking it refers to physical distance.
- The main issue is not misunderstanding the meaning (surprise/approval) but failing to recognize its dated nature and specific cultural context.
Examples
- You're moving to Hawaii? Far out!
- He played a guitar solo that was totally far out.
- Look at that sunset! Far out!
Dialogue
Leo: Check out this vintage synth I found online. It's from the 70s!
Mia: Whoa, far out! Does it still work?
Leo: Apparently, perfectly! I can't wait for it to arrive.
Social Media Examples
- Comment on a photo of a vintage car: Far out! Love those classic lines. #VintageCars #70s
- Tweet reflecting on music: Listening to some old Pink Floyd. Still sounds far out after all these years. #PsychedelicRock
- Instagram caption with a retro filter: Feeling the groovy vibes today. Far out, man. ✌️ #Throwback #Hippie
Response Patterns
- Usually met with agreement, a smile, or further explanation of the surprising thing.
- Yeah, isn't it great?
- I know, right?
- Totally!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The person hearing Far out! might elaborate on the topic (Yeah, I've always wanted to live there!).
- The person saying Far out! might ask for more details (Wow, what prompted the move?).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction to something someone else said or showed.
Intonation
- Enthusiastic, often with wide pitch range.
- Stress is typically equal on both Far and Out, or slightly more on Out.
- Usually delivered with a tone of genuine surprise or excitement. FAR OUT!
Generation Differences
- Primarily associated with the Baby Boomer generation who were young adults in the 60s/70s.
- Younger generations usually recognize it but are much less likely to use it unironically. If used, it's often with a sense of irony or nostalgia.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English slang from that era. Understood elsewhere but strongly tied to US 60s/70s culture.