adjective
ill
Exceptionally impressive or skillful, in slang
The fan calls the drummer's solo ill.
Etymology
The slang reverses the ordinary negative judgment. Calling something ill praises it as strikingly impressive or skillful, much as other negative words can become approving intensifiers.
More examples
- She praised the dancer's ill moves.
- The review used ill as a slang compliment.
- He described the performance as seriously ill.
Forms
ill
Similar words
- impressive
- The neutral compliment.
- wicked
- Another slang term that can praise exceptional skill.