something awful: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘something awful’ mean?
The idiom "something awful" is used to emphasize the extreme or intense nature of a situation, event, or feeling. It suggests that the thing being described is exceptionally bad, unpleasant, or severe.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
According to my extensive research and knowledge about idioms, I have gathered several facts regarding the idiom "the moon on a stick." Here are the key facts:
The idiom "the hell out of" is used to intensify an action or experience by emphasizing extreme force, speed or intensity. It indicates doing something to the maximum extent possible, often with a sense of urgency or enthusiasm.
The idiom "the devil" refers to a person or entity that is considered to be evil, dangerous, or destructive. It is often used to emphasize the negative qualities or actions of someone or something, highlighting their malicious or harmful nature.
The idiom "that's the thing" is used to emphasize a crucial point or argument in a discussion or conversation.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "that ever walked on two legs" is a colloquial expression used in American English. This idiom emphasizes the exceptional qualities or characteristics of someone or something. It is often used in a hyperbolic manner to convey a sense of awe, admiration, or astonishment.
The idiom "than a bygod" is a variation of the phrase "than a bye-word" which means to be discussed with mockery or scorn. The term "bygod" is likely a euphemism for "God" and is used to intensify the meaning of the phrase.
The idiom "take a turn for the worse" means that a situation or someone's condition has deteriorated or become more negative than before.
The idiom "suck it" is a slang expression used to dismiss or insult someone, often in a rude and aggressive manner.
Suck it is an idiom that is commonly used in everyday American English. It is a slang phrase that originated in the late 20th century and has since become a part of popular culture. The meaning of this idiom is simple and carries a strong sense of defiance, dismissal, or triumph.
FAIL
The idiom "something awful" is a common expression in American English that has been in use for many decades. It intensifies the meaning of another word or phrase, indicating a strong or extreme degree. This idiom is typically used in casual conversations or informal writing, providing emphasis to convey a heightened sense of the described situation or feeling.
The origin of the idiom "something awful" is uncertain, but it can be traced back at least to the early 19th century. The word "awful" originally meant "full of awe" or "inspiring reverence." Over time, it gained an additional sense of "exceedingly great" or "remarkable."
By combining "something" with "awful," the idiom creates a powerful expression that suggests an intense, remarkable, or extreme condition. It emphasizes a specific quality or characteristic, often highlighting the negative aspect of something. This idiom is commonly used with adjectives, adverbs, or verbs to enhance their impact and convey a sense of severity.
One of the key features of the idiom "something awful" is its versatility. It can be used in various contexts, both positive and negative, depending on the intended meaning and tone. For instance, if someone says, "I missed you something awful," it signifies a deep yearning or longing. On the other hand, if someone exclaims, "That's awful something," it implies a sense of extreme displeasure or dissatisfaction.
The idiom "something awful" is deeply ingrained in American English and can be found in numerous literary works, songs, films, and everyday conversations. It has become a part of the language's unique expressions used to emphasize emotions, opinions, or situations.
The idiom "that ever walked on two legs" is another expression that intensifies the description of someone or something. It implies that the person or thing being referred to is the most extreme or outstanding example of its kind. The idiom conjures up a vivid image of an extraordinary individual or creature that stands out among all others.
When combined with the idiom "something awful," the expression takes on an even stronger meaning, suggesting a level of exceptional and negative impact. It emphasizes the extremity of a situation or experience, emphasizing its significance or severity.
The idiom "horror show" is yet another phrase that intensifies the description of a situation or event. It typically refers to something that is frightening, shocking, or disturbing. The idiom conveys a sense of disbelief and astonishment at the horrors being witnessed.
When used alongside the idiom "something awful," the expression takes on an even greater level of intensity. It emphasizes the terrifying and dreadful nature of a particular experience, heightening its impact and creating a truly chilling image.
Overall, idioms such as "something awful," "that ever walked on two legs," and "horror show" serve as powerful tools in the English language. They amplify the description of people, objects, and situations, creating a strong sense of emphasis and impact. These idioms are deeply ingrained in American English, enriching the language and conveying a wide range of emotions and experiences. Whether used in casual conversations, literature, or other forms of communication, idioms add depth and color to the English language, providing a memorable and distinct perspective on human expression.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "something awful" can be used in a sentence:
- I miss her something awful.
- He messed up that report something awful.
- The kids were fighting something awful.