vicious looking

USAGE SUMMARY

"vicious looking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that looks intimidating or threatening. For example, "The dog's vicious looking bark sent a chill down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A vicious looking cross is met by Miller under immense pressure from DeLeon and he puts into his own net!

The Guardian - Sport

Fabian whips in a vicious looking ball that's blocked, and then the second ball is punched clear by Rimando.

The Guardian - Sport

A photograph from the era shows him sitting in the Baton Rouge airport a seat away from Sid Vicious, looking perplexed.

The New Yorker

Many also get enjoyment from of carrying vicious looking "assault weapons".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Carol gave her a vicious look.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was the vicious look on Di Canio's face, the clenched teeth, the tattoo on his right biceps dedicated to Il Duce, the Fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

The New York Times - Sports

Even ignoring all the other stuff, Victor's vicious look at Pierre – after he twigged that he was one of the burglars complicit in his demise – is enough to provoke a week's worth of nightmares.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Charles Fuge creates a cosy and witty picture of shark life as Gilbert plays with his fishy friends on the seabed in cheerful, Disneyesque illustrations full of animated sharks whose smiling features and benign natures never quite belie the vicious look of their jaws.

The Guardian - Books

Depp said of the character, "He makes Sid Vicious look like the innocent paper boy.

Wikipedia

The most vicious attacks look as if they are aimed at provoking a war, which the Pakistani president does not want, as well as derailing Kashmir's election, which he would presumably welcome.

The Economist

Vying for least popular man in the N.F.L. is the Titans' Cortland Finnegan, who finally annoyed someone bad enough to start a fight so vicious it looked like a hockey game had broken out.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or object, use "vicious looking" to quickly convey a sense of danger or aggression. For example: "The guard dog had a "vicious looking" snarl".

Common error

Avoid using "vicious looking" in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced description might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like 'menacing' or 'threatening' for a more subtle effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vicious looking" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a threatening or aggressive appearance. Ludwig examples highlight its use in depicting menacing dogs or dangerous weapons.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vicious looking" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable phrase used to describe something with an intimidating or aggressive appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While most frequently encountered in news and media, it can be somewhat informal for technical or professional writing. Consider using alternatives such as "menacing appearance" or "threatening look" for increased nuance. While the frequency is low, its meaning is clear, making it a useful descriptive tool when the situation warrants a depiction of danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

menacing appearance

Focuses on the threatening aspect of the look.

threatening look

Highlights the potential for harm or danger.

intimidating visage

Uses a more formal term for face or appearance, suggesting a commanding presence.

ferocious looking

Emphasizes the wild and untamed aspect of the appearance.

aggressive appearance

Highlights a readiness to attack or confront.

savage gaze

Implies a wild or brutal quality in the way someone looks.

predatory look

Suggests a hunter-like quality in the appearance.

dangerous looking

Directly states the potential for harm or risk.

hostile glare

Focuses on an unfriendly and unwelcoming expression.

baleful countenance

Uses a literary term to suggest a sinister or evil appearance.

FAQs

What does "vicious looking" mean?

The term "vicious looking" describes someone or something with an appearance that suggests cruelty, aggression, or danger.

How can I use "vicious looking" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "vicious looking" dog growled at anyone who approached the fence".

What are some alternatives to "vicious looking"?

You can use alternatives like "menacing appearance", "threatening look", or "intimidating visage" depending on the specific context.

Is "vicious looking" formal or informal?

"Vicious looking" is generally considered to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using a more precise or nuanced term.