Wicked

Wicked (adjective / UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Wicked!, Proper wicked, Wickedly good)

Definition:

Wicked is British slang for great, excellent or very good. A wicked night out, a wicked goal and a wicked song are all things to be pleased about. Its literal meaning of evil has been flipped, so it works as a strong compliment, especially among younger people.

Where Wicked Comes From:

The word comes from Middle English, where it meant evil or bad. Praise slang that turns negative words positive, such as “bad” and “sick”, has a long history, and “wicked” as approval was used in Black American slang in the 1920s and by British youth by the 1980s and 1990s. In Boston and New England it also means “very”, as in “wicked cold”.

How People Actually Use Wicked:

People say “that was wicked” after a great gig or “wicked, see you there” to show they are pleased. In the UK it is a cheerful, easygoing word. Older speakers sometimes use it with a smile, and it appears in school playgrounds across the country.

Is Wicked Rude?

No. It is friendly and positive. Context shows the difference between a wicked time and someone being genuinely wicked.

Examples in the Wild:

• “We got front row seats, it was wicked.”

  Meaning: It was fantastic.

• “I passed my test!” “Wicked!”

  Meaning: That is brilliant news.

• “That is a wicked pair of trainers.”

  Meaning: They look great.

Similar Slang:

Lush, Mint, Sick, Banging, Cushty, Buzzing

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