wicked cool

USAGE SUMMARY

'wicked cool' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal expression used to emphasize that something is really cool. For example: Man, this new video game is wicked cool!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He looks wicked cool.

The New York Times

"Wicked", "cool" and "all right".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Wicked cool!" the director said, hooking up to an amp.

The New Yorker

These apps are, to use the technical term, wicked cool.

The New York Times - Tech

It works with photos, too, and it's wicked cool.

The New York Times

But real wicked cool wouldn't be nearly so contrived nor require so much effort.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

There was a self-balancing skateboard, a smokeless cigarette, wicked-cool folding thingamajigs, and magic lock-picking keys, as well as presentations on a jet-powered Volkswagen Beetle, the growing sport of rocket racing, driverless S.U.V.s, and computer printers that "print" 3-D objects.

The New Yorker

Grossmann showed off a wicked-cool video of a 360-degree camera used to film the Space Shuttle Endeavor Crew several years ago.

Huffington Post

And that voice, although littered with shoehorned Bostonianisms ("everything's five by five" and "wicked-cool"), rasped in all the right places.

Vice

Lewis was one of Mader's favorite authors as a child and found it "wicked" and "cool" for her character to be named after him.

Wikipedia

Not only does it help you socially bond with your fellow man, which as everyone knows is totally wicked and cool, it also makes you regulate your negative emotions and via dopamine and oxytocin, and helps to replenish all that tasty serotonin you've lost over the weekend.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked cool" in informal settings to express strong enthusiasm or approval. It's particularly effective when describing something surprising or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked cool" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated alternatives like "impressive" or "excellent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked cool" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a high degree of approval or enthusiasm. Ludwig shows its usage in describing things found impressive or exciting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Vice

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wicked cool" is an informal adjectival phrase used to express strong approval or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for casual contexts but should be avoided in formal settings. Originating from the Boston area, it is commonly found in news articles and informal online content. While widely understood, alternative phrases like "incredibly awesome" or "totally amazing" may be more suitable depending on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outrageously fantastic

Adds a sense of wild excitement and exaggeration.

incredibly awesome

Replaces "wicked" with "incredibly" and "cool" with "awesome", both intensifying adjectives.

totally amazing

Substitutes both adjectives with different but equally enthusiastic terms.

extraordinarily rad

Replaces "cool" with the slang term "rad", maintaining the informal tone.

seriously impressive

Emphasizes the impact or effect rather than just general coolness.

genuinely stellar

Highlights authenticity and high quality.

exceptionally great

A more formal alternative, suitable for broader contexts.

positively dazzling

Focuses on the striking and captivating nature of something.

remarkably good

Highlights the positive qualities in a notable way.

superb

A single-word substitution emphasizing high quality or excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "wicked cool" in a sentence?

You can use "wicked cool" to express enthusiasm or approval, like: "That new movie was "wicked cool"!" or "This gadget is "wicked cool" and easy to use."

What are some alternatives to saying "wicked cool"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "incredibly awesome", "totally amazing", or "seriously impressive".

Is "wicked cool" appropriate for professional communication?

While "wicked cool" is fine for informal conversations, it's generally not suitable for professional communication. Consider using more formal alternatives like "excellent" or "impressive" instead.

Where does the expression "wicked cool" come from?

The expression "wicked cool" is thought to originate in the Boston area, where "wicked" is often used as an intensifier. It combines this regional usage with the universally understood term "cool" to express strong approval.