this is sick

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is sick" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It may be used in a variety of contexts, but it is typically used to express strong emotions, usually negative ones. It can mean something is unjust, outrageous, or disgusting. Here are a few examples: - "This is sick! I can't believe they are getting away with it." - "The conditions in this factory are sick. It's inhumane." - "Did you hear about the prank they pulled? It was sick, but also hilarious." - "I can't believe he said that to her. That's just sick." - "The amount of pollution in this river is sickening. We need to do something about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is sick".

The New Yorker

"This is sick," she said.

The New York Times

"You're right, this is sick," Nirav agreed.

The New York Times

The movie would end, and everyone else would be asleep, but the two of us would be wide-eyed, like, 'This is sick!' " In Malibu, as the sun rose, Mr. Cooper delivered a barrage of questions, trying to sniff out telltale signs of a fellow movie-geek: Did I like Ernst Lubitsch?

The New York Times

"To prey on a vulnerable person like this is sick and heartless.

BBC

This isn't funny, this is sick".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Wow @BillOReilly,this is sick.

Huffington Post

"This guy is sick, there's something wrong with this guy," Trump said.

The Guardian

This country is sick of that rubbish.

The Guardian

"This guy is sick," Parsons said.

The New York Times - Sports

If this person is sick, she should get the care she needs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience when using "this is sick", as its slang usage might not be appropriate in all contexts. Consider whether a more formal or universally understood expression would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid assuming "this is sick" always expresses disgust. It can also signify admiration or excitement in informal contexts. Always consider the tone and context to accurately interpret the speaker's meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is sick" primarily functions as an interjection or exclamation, expressing a strong emotional reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used, and can signify both disgust or admiration depending on context, like the examples found in news articles and social media posts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is sick" is a versatile expression that can convey either strong disapproval or admiration, depending heavily on context and tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and commonly used, although primarily in informal settings. When writing, consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation, opting for more explicit language in formal contexts. Its frequency in news and media highlights its relevance in reflecting contemporary speech, while its presence on wikis suggests its widespread understanding. Be mindful of the dual nature of this phrase to ensure your message is accurately received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's disgusting

Focuses on the negative, revolting aspect, omitting the potential positive connotation.

that's outrageous

Emphasizes the shocking and unacceptable nature of something, removing the slang admiration.

that's appalling

Highlights the horrifying and dreadful aspect, eliminating any positive interpretation.

that's incredible

Shifts the meaning to positive astonishment and admiration, opposite to negative meanings.

that's amazing

Conveys strong positive surprise and pleasure, removing the potential for negative connotation.

that's impressive

Highlights admirable qualities, focusing on skill or achievement and losing the potential for negative meaning.

that's unacceptable

Emphasizes the rejection and disapproval of something, omitting possible positive slang.

that's deplorable

Highlights the reprehensible and disgraceful aspect, without positive connotations.

that's reprehensible

Highlights the blameworthy and condemnable nature, without the positive meanings.

that's awful

Focuses on the unpleasant and terrible nature of something, lacking the possibility of positive interpretation.

FAQs

What does "this is sick" mean?

The phrase "this is sick" can have two very different meanings. It can express disgust or disapproval, similar to "that's disgusting". However, it can also be used as slang to express admiration or excitement, similar to "that's amazing".

When is it appropriate to use "this is sick"?

The phrase "this is sick" is generally appropriate in informal settings among peers who understand its slang usage. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where it might be misinterpreted or considered inappropriate.

What are some alternative ways to express disgust or disapproval instead of "this is sick"?

Instead of "this is sick", you can use alternatives like "that's disgusting", "that's outrageous", or "that's appalling" to express strong disapproval.

What are some alternative ways to express admiration or excitement instead of "this is sick"?

When used to express admiration, alternatives to "this is sick" include "that's incredible", "that's amazing", or "that's impressive".