wicked winds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wicked winds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe strong, fierce, or tumultuous winds, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "The wicked winds howled through the trees, bending branches and scattering leaves in every direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The conceit — the narrator says something he regrets and sends a letter to his lover in the hope of repairing the damage — is pop-trite, and despite the Hardyesque pathetic fallacies (wicked winds, skies hanging heavy with rain) the lyrics scarcely bear the weight of Cave's existential despair.

The New Yorker

The Inland Empire experienced wacky weather, including wicked winds that sent up huge plumes of dust and wild thunderstorms that toppled trees and flooded roads.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Kamil's sarcasm and well-informed wit could do little to stave off the wicked wind.

The New York Times

He continued to levitate yesterday, even in a wicked wind that turned his yellow shirt into a whipping caution flag.

The New York Times - Sports

It is hardly the remotest corner of the New Forest – we have walked only a mile or so from the car park – but a wicked wind whips across Whitefield Moor, an expanse of green that, Ordnance Survey (OS) map symbols confirm, is a mixture of "scrub" and "bracken, heath or rough grassland".

Independent

One has to wonder if the willingness of the Liberals, Nationals and their ilk to shout at the impossible boogeyman of wicked wind energy is an urge, conscious or instinctive, to distract us from listening to a clearer message – that an ideological priority of privatising electricity leaves communities vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a wicked wind, and like in the song I found out that the van I rented had no snow tires, they were all-weather tires, so I'm moving sideways seeing people flying past me on the left, so I pulled over to the rumble strip with my flashers on and eventually I thought, "This is not going well".

Huffington Post

Wicked Wicked (Young Vibez).

Vice

No matter how deep the snow, icy the sidewalks or wicked the wind, nothing was going to keep 76-year-old Mary L. Johnson away from Wallace's Catfish Corner on Friday night.

The New York Times

By the time he and his paddling partner last year, Marcus Demuth, 40, reached Hell Gate, they had missed the tides and were fighting against the wicked current and wind.

The New York Times

This isn't happening in front of me, mind you—I'm listening to it happen in real time, but even then, I don't hear the woman or the wicked gusts of wind that are blasting through the city that night or even the voices of the police officers that are trying to calm her down.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wicked winds" to add a sense of drama or foreboding to your writing. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptive passages where you want to evoke a strong emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "wicked winds" in contexts where a neutral or positive description of the wind is needed. The adjective "wicked" carries a negative connotation, making it unsuitable for describing pleasant or gentle breezes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wicked winds" functions as a descriptive element, typically within a narrative or descriptive context. It uses an adjective to intensify the noun, creating a more vivid image. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wicked winds" is a grammatically sound and descriptively potent expression used to depict strong, fierce, or unpleasant winds. According to Ludwig, the phrase is acceptable and can be used to describe tumultuous winds, often in a poetic or dramatic context. While not frequently encountered, it effectively adds drama and intensity to writing, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "fierce gales" or "savage gusts" can be used to achieve similar effects, with slight variations in connotation. It's important to reserve "wicked winds" for scenarios where its negative implications are appropriate, avoiding its use for gentle or pleasant breezes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce gales

Replaces "winds" with "gales", implying a stronger and more persistent wind.

savage gusts

Substitutes both adjectives and nouns, suggesting abrupt and violent bursts of wind.

furious squalls

Implies sudden, localized bursts of strong wind, often associated with rain.

violent tempests

Emphasizes the storm-like nature of the wind, indicating extreme intensity.

ferocious air currents

Uses a more scientific term for wind, emphasizing the movement of air.

raging storms

Focuses on the overall stormy condition, where wind is a major component.

destructive cyclones

Highlights the damaging potential of the wind, implying a circular storm system.

powerful breezes

Downplays the negative connotation, focusing on the strength of the wind.

intense drafts

Shifts to smaller-scale winds, like those felt indoors or in enclosed spaces.

blustering zephyrs

Contrasts "wicked" with a milder term, creating an oxymoron for ironic effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "wicked winds" to describe strong, fierce, or tumultuous winds, often in a poetic or dramatic context. For example: "The "wicked winds" howled through the trees, bending branches and scattering leaves in every direction."

What can I say instead of "wicked winds"?

Alternatives include "fierce gales", "savage gusts", or "violent tempests" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wicked winds"?

Yes, "wicked winds" is grammatically correct. The adjective "wicked" appropriately modifies the noun "winds".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "wicked winds"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the destructive, fierce or unpleasant nature of the wind. It's often used in descriptive writing to create a vivid and dramatic image. Avoid using it in contexts where you want to portray a gentle or pleasant breeze.