Amazing

Once upon a time, "amazing" meant "very surprising"; something that you found incredible - generally in a good way.
  • I still find it amazing how many things you can do with a tiny mobile phone.
  • She learnt to speak Chinese in just one year. It's amazing when you think about it.

Nowadays too many people use the word to describe something that they really like. I find it really annoying and I just wish "amazing" would return to its original meaning.


When people ask:
  • How was your holiday?
more than likely, the reply will be:
  • Oh it was amaaaaaaaaaazing.

In a guide book you will read:
  • It's really worth the climb to the top because there is an amazing view of the whole town.

We had the most amazing meal at that new Italian restuarant.





So what are the alternatives to amazing?

How was your holiday?
We had a great time. / Wonderful.  / We really enjoyed ourselves.

There is a spectacular / an impressive view of the whole town.

We had a really nice meal at that new Italian restaurant. It was the best we've had in a long time.


Comments

Roberto said…
Hi,Graham!.I know you hate expressions like "AMAZING","AWESOME","COOL",or "YOU KNOW". I like them when you use properly,but the problem is when people abuse,and say things like that all the time. In spanish some people abuse of "¿VALE?",and "¿ME ENTIENDES?",or "SABES LO QUE TE QUIERO DECIR?"(like BelĆ©n Esteban).I specially hate the expression "DARLO TODO" (some young people say it all the time).
Graham said…
Hi Roberto,

I agree with you. I have an increasingly long list, in both English and Spanish, of overused expressions which annoy me.

Why do so many people say "claro" instead of a simple "sĆ­"? What is more, they repeat it three or four time in quick succession.

And when Spanish TV presenters / reporters use "efectivamente" (indeed, that's right) to answer a colleague. Aaaarrrgggh!



I like them when they are used properly,but the problem is when people abuse them, and say things like that all the time. In Spanish some people say things like "¿VALE?",and "¿ME ENTIENDES?",or "SABES LO QUE TE QUIERO DECIR?"(like BelĆ©n Esteban) all the time.

I especially hate the expression "DARLO TODO" (some young people say it all the time).



Pilar said…
Thanks you for that useful information.
Graham said…
Hi Pilar,

You are welcome.