SICK

What Does Sick Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Sick means "Cool."

More Observations...

In slang, the word "sick" (as in "unwell") usually means something extremely good, impressive, or cool. In this context, "sick" is often used as a term of admiration or enthusiasm for something. For example:

Cardi B's new video is totally sick.
That is a sick car!
Your new boots are sick!

Image for Sick

When I write Sick, I mean this:

"Cool"

Summary of Key Points

"Cool" is, by far, the most common meaning for Sick when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Sick
Definition:	Cool
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Sick

The use of the word "sick" to mean "cool" or is an example of linguistic inversion, a common phenomenon in many types of slang, where words are used with a meaning that's opposite or significantly different from their traditional one. This is often done for emphasis, novelty, or to create a sense of in-group identity. "Sick" traditionally means ill or not well, but in certain subcultures, it was adopted with a positive connotation. This can be seen as a form of rebellion or differentiation from mainstream culture, which is a common theme in many subcultures. By inverting the meaning of the word, users challenge the status quo and create a shared language that is distinct and identifiable to their group. It's not entirely clear when or why "sick" began to be used this way, but it appears to have originated in the late 20th century, possibly within skateboarding or surfing subcultures, before becoming more widely used. As with many slang terms, its usage has spread and evolved over time.