Godawful

/ˈɡɑdɔfəl/ adjective

Definition

Extremely bad, terrible, or unpleasant; used as a strong expression of disapproval.

Etymology

Compound of 'god' and 'awful,' a euphemistic intensifier combining a religious reference with the word awful. Became popular in casual American English in the 1900s.

Kelly Says

English speakers came up with 'godawful' as a way to be shocking without actually swearing—it's borderline blasphemous but just acceptable enough to use around adults!

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