this is rich

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is rich" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express sarcasm or irony, often in response to a statement or situation that seems hypocritical or absurd. Example: "He complains about the lack of teamwork, but he never helps anyone. This is rich."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is rich food.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is rich philosophical territory.

The New York Times - Arts

This is rich.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is rich, crowd-pleasing food.

The New York Times

Coming from the Republicans, this is rich.

The Economist

"This is rich folks' housing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is rich-tasting and mighty spicy, so use it sparingly.

The Washington Post

This was rich prime beef, beautifully prepared.

The New York Times - Food

In my small-town mind, this was "rich".

The Guardian - Opinion

This was rich in story, visuals and light on words.

Forbes

This was rich fantasy stuff.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is rich" to express sarcasm when someone criticizes something they themselves are guilty of. This adds a layer of irony to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this is rich" in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or diplomatic tone is required. Consider alternatives like "that's ironic" or "that's inconsistent" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is rich" primarily functions as an interjection or a sarcastic remark. It is used to express irony, disbelief, or indignation, often in response to a statement or situation that seems hypocritical. As Ludwig AI tells us, the phrase is usable in written English to express sarcasm or irony. Examples in Ludwig show it being used to call out hypocrisy in politics, business, and personal situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is rich" is a common expression used to convey sarcasm or irony, particularly when responding to hypocrisy or absurdity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally acceptable, it's important to be mindful of the context, avoiding its use in overly formal situations where a more neutral tone is required. Related phrases, like "that's ironic" or "how hypocritical", can offer similar sentiments with varying degrees of directness. Ultimately, mastering the use of "this is rich" involves understanding its subtle nuances and applying it appropriately to maximize its impact. The phrase is common, and most usage of the phrase appears in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's ironic

Focuses on the irony of a situation, omitting the implication of hypocrisy.

how hypocritical

Highlights the hypocrisy of a statement or action, without necessarily implying absurdity.

that takes the cake

Expresses disbelief or exasperation at something outrageous, lacking the direct accusation of hypocrisy.

what a joke

Emphasizes the ridiculousness of a situation, but doesn't necessarily imply moral failing.

talk about hypocrisy

Directly points out hypocrisy, but lacks the concise expression of disbelief.

that's a bit much

Indicates disapproval or disagreement, but doesn't specifically target hypocrisy.

you've got to be kidding me

Expresses disbelief or surprise, without necessarily implying hypocrisy or irony.

I can't believe this

Expresses disbelief or shock, without necessarily implying irony or hypocrisy.

of all things

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of something, often with a sense of disbelief.

that's quite something

Expresses mild surprise or interest, without necessarily implying strong emotion or judgment.

FAQs

What does the phrase "this is rich" mean?

The phrase "this is rich" is typically used to express sarcasm or irony, often in response to a statement or situation that seems hypocritical or absurd.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is rich"?

It is appropriate to use "this is rich" in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or casual writing, to express irony or sarcasm. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "this is rich"?

You can use alternatives like "that's ironic", "how hypocritical", or "that takes the cake" depending on the context.

Is "this is rich" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this is rich" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-complement structure.