Wicked Meaning in British Slang

"Wicked" is a common British slang word that usually means something is very good, impressive, or enjoyable.
Although it traditionally meant "evil" or "immoral," modern usage—especially in the UK—often flips the meaning entirely.

This page explains what "wicked" means in slang, how it's used, and how it differs across regions and contexts.

What Does "Wicked" Mean?

In everyday British conversation, "wicked" is a positive expression, similar to:

• Cool
• Awesome
• Excellent

👉 For a full explanation with examples, see:
What does wicked mean in British slang?

Is "Wicked" a Compliment?

Yes. In most informal situations, calling something "wicked" is a compliment.

People often use it to praise:

• Experiences ("That trip was wicked.")
• Skills ("You did a wicked job.")

👉 Read more:
Is wicked a compliment?

Can "Wicked" Mean Good?

Although it sounds negative, "wicked" can absolutely mean "good" in slang, especially in British English.

Tone and context are key.

👉 Detailed explanation here:
Can wicked mean good?

Wicked Meaning: UK vs US

The meaning of "wicked" changes depending on where you are.

• UK: Common slang for something very good
• US: Less common; usually keeps its negative meaning, except in informal or ironic use

👉 Full comparison:
Wicked meaning: UK vs US

When Should You Use "Wicked"?

"Wicked" is best used in:

• Casual conversation
• Friendly, informal settings
• Spoken British English

It should generally be avoided in formal or professional communication.

👉 Practical guidance and examples:
When to use wicked in a sentence

Is "Wicked" Informal or Rude?

"Wicked" is:

• ✅ Informal
• ❌ Not usually rude

However, it may sound inappropriate in formal settings or to people unfamiliar with slang.

👉 Learn more:

• Is wicked informal?
• Is wicked rude?

Examples of "Wicked" in British English

Here are some common real-world examples:

• "That concert was wicked."
• "She's got a wicked sense of humour."
• "We had a wicked time last night."

👉 More examples here:
Examples of wicked in British English

Wicked vs Other Words

"Wicked" is often compared to similar words, but the meaning can differ.

• Wicked vs Evil: One can be positive (slang), the other never is
• Wicked vs Cool: Similar meaning, but "wicked" is more British and expressive

👉 Comparisons:

• Wicked vs evil
• Wicked vs cool

Where Did Slang "Wicked" Come From?

The positive slang use of "wicked" developed through youth culture and informal speech, gradually becoming mainstream in the UK.

👉 Learn more about its background:
Wicked slang history

Is "Wicked" Still Used in the UK?

Yes. While it may sound slightly dated to some younger speakers, "wicked" is still widely understood and used in the UK, especially among millennials and in casual speech.

👉 Read more:
Is wicked still used in the UK?

Quick Summary

• "Wicked" in British slang usually means very good
• It is informal, not rude
• Usage depends heavily on context and region
• It remains a well-known part of modern British English

This page serves as a central guide to understanding how "wicked" is used today.