absolutely sick

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence.
The use of 'absolutely sick' in written English is an informal expression that usually serves as an emphatic intensifier or slang expression. It can be used to indicate enthusiasm for something or to describe one's displeasure with something. For example, "I'm absolutely sick of hearing my neighbor's dog bark late into the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I felt absolutely sick".

Independent

Absolutely sick to the stomach".

The New York Times - Sports

"It makes me absolutely sick," she said.

The New York Times

We are absolutely sick of being called burdensome.

The Guardian

We'll get absolutely sick of Vinicius, the 2016 mascot.

The Guardian - Sport

The Finn will be absolutely sick if he loses this.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

(The book was famous in its day for its rendering of the airhead speech of the bright young things: "Darling, how too, too shaming," "How absolutely sick-making" and the like).

The New York Times

It must be said, though, that they are an absolutely sick-looking set of DIMMs.

TechCrunch

If you take them, "you absolutely will get sick and develop disease".

The Guardian

"People get sick, absolutely they get sick," she exclaimed.

Vice

My Dad absolutely hated being sick, and he wouldn't admit something was wrong and go to the doctor until my Mom wouldn't stop constantly nagging him to go in.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absolutely sick" to express enthusiasm (especially in British English), be mindful of your audience, as it may be misinterpreted as expressing disgust in other contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely sick" in formal or professional writing. While it can effectively convey strong feelings, it is generally considered too informal for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

Absolutely sick functions primarily as an intensifier, modifying a feeling or opinion to express a strong degree of it. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves as an emphatic intensifier or slang expression. Examples showcase its usage to emphasize disgust, annoyance, or, in some contexts, even enthusiastic approval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sport

16%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely sick" is an informal phrase used as an intensifier to express strong feelings, primarily negative ones such as disgust or annoyance. While Ludwig AI notes it can sometimes indicate enthusiasm, this usage is less common and context-dependent. Its grammatical status is correct, but its informality makes it unsuitable for professional or academic writing. Examples from news and media outlets demonstrate its use in reported speech or informal commentary. When choosing this phrase, consider your audience and the desired tone, opting for more formal alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely revolted

Stresses a strong feeling of disgust.

completely disgusted

Focuses on the feeling of revulsion or strong dislike.

extremely disgusted by

Focuses on a very high level of revulsion.

totally appalled

Highlights a sense of shock and disapproval.

utterly fed up

Emphasizes being tired and impatient with something.

seriously fed up with

Emphasizes a high level of irritation and impatience.

completely tired of

Emphasizes being exhausted and wanting a change.

sick to death

Implies extreme boredom or annoyance.

intensely displeased

Highlights a strong feeling of dissatisfaction.

thoroughly weary

Focuses on being tired and worn out by something.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely sick" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely sick" to express strong feelings of disgust or disapproval, as in "I'm absolutely sick of the traffic". In some dialects, it can also express enthusiasm, as in "That guitar riff was absolutely sick!".

What's a less informal alternative to "absolutely sick"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "absolutely sick" include "completely disgusted", "utterly fed up", or "totally appalled".

Is it appropriate to use "absolutely sick" in professional writing?

Generally, no. "Absolutely sick" is considered informal. In professional contexts, opt for more formal alternatives such as "strongly disapprove" or "extremely dissatisfied".

Can "absolutely sick" have positive connotations?

Yes, particularly in some dialects of British English, "absolutely sick" can express enthusiastic approval, similar to "awesome" or "amazing". However, this usage may not be universally understood and could lead to miscommunication.