What does “Brutal” mean?
The slang phrase "Brutal" means 'awful' or 'dreadful.' When someone describes something as "Brutal", they are emphasizing the extreme negativity or unpleasantness of the situation or thing they are referring to. It implies that the experience or thing is extremely unpleasant or difficult to endure.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
It was a brutal tackle
Example
The weather was brutal today
Example
He received a brutal criticism
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing a physically intense or aggressive action
The rugby player tackled him brutally.
The boxer delivered a brutal punch to his opponent.
- 2Expressing extreme discomfort or unpleasantness
The weather was brutal today, with heavy rain and strong winds.
I had a brutal headache all day.
- 3Highlighting harsh criticism or negative feedback
He received brutal criticism for his performance.
The movie received brutal reviews from the critics.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The phrase "brutal" originated in Ireland and has since been adopted in various English-speaking regions. It is commonly used in Irish English and has gained popularity beyond Ireland.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "brutal" is often used in a sentence to describe something, it can also stand alone to convey a strong negative sentiment. For example, if someone asks you how your day was, you might simply respond with "Brutal." to indicate that it was terrible.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "brutal" is not offensive in itself. It is a slang term used to describe something awful or dreadful.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "brutal" is commonly used by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is understood by English speakers familiar with slang and informal language.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
While the phrase "brutal" originated in Ireland, it is now used in various English-speaking regions. It has gained popularity beyond Ireland and is widely understood in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
