AEE: Vocabulary That is Sick but not Sickening

Summary

All Ears English Podcast: Vocabulary That is Sick but not Sickening

Release Date: April 19, 2025

Hosts Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the versatile uses of the words "sick" and "sickening" in their episode titled "Vocabulary That is Sick but not Sickening." Aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners, this episode explores how these seemingly negative terms can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on context and intonation.

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I. Introduction to the Topic

The episode kicks off with Lindsey introducing a listener question from Matus Proficio, who inquires about the dual meanings of "sickening." Matus also touches on the differences between British and American expressions like "How you like them apples?" and "How about them apples?" Lindsey notes that while the first part of Matus's question relates to a previous episode, today's focus remains on understanding the multifaceted use of "sickening."

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II. Exploring "Sickening" and "Sicken"

Negative Connotation:

Lindsey and Aubrey first address the common negative usage of "sickening." They explain that when something is described as sickening, it means it is extremely disappointing, disgusting, or appalling. For instance:

• [02:48] Aubrey Carter: "It's so true. Today we do have a great question from a listener talking about the word sick and sickening. Right. All the different ways that we use."

• [05:00] Lindsey McMahon: "That politician's actions are sickening."

This use conveys a strong emotional reaction, similar to feeling physically ill due to something unpleasant.

Positive Connotation:

Interestingly, "sickening" and its related forms can also convey positive sentiments:

• [05:38] Aubrey Carter: "For example, that couple is so in love, it's sickening."

Here, "sickening" is used metaphorically to express admiration or awe, implying that something is overwhelmingly beautiful or impressive.

Verb Form - "Sicken":

The hosts expand on the verb form "sicken," illustrating how it functions similarly to the adjective:

• [09:16] Aubrey Carter: "What he did sickens me."

• [09:26] Lindsey McMahon: "Oh, that couple is so cute kissing. They sicken me."

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III. "Sick" as Slang for "Cool" or "Impressive"

Beyond "sickening," the word "sick" itself has evolved into modern slang meaning "cool" or "impressive." However, its usage requires careful consideration of context and intonation to avoid confusion.

• [09:55] Lindsey McMahon: "We've really wound up sick as an adjective used positively. It's slang to mean something is cool or impressive."

• [10:24] Aubrey Carter: "You have to really drive it home with your intonation."

For example, praising someone's tattoos:

• [10:36] Lindsey McMahon: "Her tattoos are sick. I love them."

Proper intonation ensures that listeners interpret "sick" as a compliment rather than a comment on health.

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IV. Importance of Context and Intonation

Lindsey and Aubrey emphasize that understanding the context and using the correct intonation are crucial when employing these terms to convey the intended meaning accurately.

• [12:00] Aubrey Carter: "It would feel too young when you hear this."

• [12:16] Lindsey McMahon: "You wouldn't use this for just anything. It has to be something that really is pretty cool and unique."

Misuse can lead to misunderstandings, such as confusing a statement about a movie being "sick" with expressing illness.

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V. Practical Examples and Role Play

To reinforce their explanations, the hosts engage in a mini role play, demonstrating both negative and positive uses of "sick" and "sickening":

• [15:17] Lindsey McMahon: "I love your wallet. Is it new?"

• [15:20] Aubrey Carter: "Yes, I found it on sale for an amazing price."

• [15:24] Lindsey McMahon: "Sick. I love a good deal."

Here, "sick" praises the great deal on the wallet. Conversely, when discussing Natalia's ex:

• [15:27] Aubrey Carter: "What he did sickens me."

• [16:12] Lindsey McMahon: "Whatever he's done, you know, he treated her poorly. And so we're saying what he did sickens me."

This illustrates the negative use, expressing disgust over Natalia's ex's actions.

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VI. Applying Vocabulary in Real Conversations

The episode concludes with practical applications of the discussed vocabulary in everyday situations. Lindsey and Aubrey encourage listeners to experiment with both positive and negative uses, ensuring they align with their personality and the context of the conversation.

• [17:08] Aubrey Carter: "This is a really high level episode if you really think about it."

• [18:27] Lindsey McMahon: "We want you to be able to use today's phrases to connect about something being cool or upsetting in English."

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VII. Key Takeaways

• Dual Meanings: "Sick" and "sickening" can express both negative and positive sentiments. Understanding context and intonation is essential.

• Slang Usage: "Sick" as slang means "cool" or "impressive," but must be used appropriately to avoid confusion.

• Verb Form: "Sicken" functions similarly to "sickening," allowing for both negative and, in some cases, positive expressions.

• Practical Application: Engaging in role plays and real-life conversations can help solidify the correct usage of these terms.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [05:07] Aubrey Carter: "How do you like them apples? It's also a very important movie reference."

• [06:06] Aubrey Carter: "Listeners, if you've tasted American desserts, you might feel that they are sickening."

• [12:42] Aubrey Carter: "This is not in my personality to say this. It would feel too young when you hear this."

• [16:33] Aubrey Carter: "When we can create that imagery... you're seeing something happening in front of you... that's powerful."

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Conclusion

In this enlightening episode, Lindsey and Aubrey effectively demystify the complex usage of "sick" and "sickening" in American English. By providing clear definitions, contextual examples, and practical applications, they equip listeners with the tools to use these terms confidently and accurately in various conversations. Whether expressing disgust or admiration, understanding these nuances helps learners connect more naturally in English-speaking environments.

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Join Lindsey and Aubrey in their next episode as they continue to explore the intricacies of American English, ensuring you speak with confidence and ease.

Transcript

[Aubrey Carter]

This is the All Ears English podcast Vocabulary that is sick, but not Sickening welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection with your American host, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz and Lindsey McMahon, the English adventurer, coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your 7 day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward slapp.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Today we answer a listener question about the word sickening. How can this word mean something good and something bad? Listen in to this high level episode to make your vocabulary more sophisticated.

[Aubrey Carter]

It's your last chance. Our new Professional English Level one course is ready to help you build your fluency and your professional communication skills to strengthen relationships at work when you socialize, make your ideas heard at meetings and give outstanding presentations. It all starts with getting into our study plan, but this special offer goes away on April 20th at midnight. Save up to $100 off the normal price before the price goes up. Allearsenglish.com professional and I can't wait to see you in one of our live special speaking events one more time. Go to allearsenglish.com P-R-O-F E S S I O N A L See you there.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Hello, Lindsay. How are you?

[Aubrey Carter]

Hey, Aubry. I'm feeling pretty good. How are you?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Nice. So you're not sick? When's the last time you were sick?

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh my gosh, sick. I was sick in January. I had to sit out a couple of episodes and wasn't feeling, so. But I'm recovered.

[Lindsey McMahon]

I'm glad you're feeling better. Feeling 100%.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. What about you? Have you been sick lately?

[Lindsey McMahon]

No, it's been a long time since. I can't even remember the last time I felt sick. Luckily, cuz.

[Aubrey Carter]

Great.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. A year or more.

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh my gosh. Sometimes, you know, it's when we. When we recover from being sick is when we feel grateful for our health. Right?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. We don't really appreciate it until we lose it.

[Aubrey Carter]

It's so true. Today we do have a great question from a listener talking about the word sick and sickening. Right. All the different ways that we use.

[Lindsey McMahon]

This word, which we use them a lot of different ways in English. So I'm excited to dive in. Do you want me to read the question?

[Aubrey Carter]

Sure, yeah, please do.

[Lindsey McMahon]

This is From Matus Proficio. Hi, guys. I was watching a TV show, a British one, and heard the expression, how you like them apples? And in American movies, how about them apples? Both are used in the United States. And can I throw them in a conversation? Are they out of style? There's also another one. It's sickening, but by the context, it meant something good, I guess. Is it okay to use this expression in a good way? Thanks. Love the show. Each day a lot more.

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh, beautiful, Mateos. Thank you.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Oh, right. Amazing questions. And we talked recently about this phrase, how do you like them apples?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

So stay to the end. We'll share that episode so you can go and listen to it for the answer to this first question. Yes. And today we're going to dive into the second part of his question about it's sickening, because we do sometimes use this positively.

[Aubrey Carter]

Oh, I'm excited. And how do you like them apples? It's also a very important movie reference. And we'll. You'll figure that out towards the end of the episode. So.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, you're gonna hear about that in that episode. Yep.

[Aubrey Carter]

That's good. So I love that Mateos is asking this high level question because it's taking. He's maybe heard native speakers take a word that seems negative but is sometimes occasionally in the right context, being used in a positive way. That is super high level. Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Super high level and confusing. Because you will hear both. You will hear sickening used to mean very negative. Yes. And then also to mean extremely positive. How confusing is that?

[Aubrey Carter]

I know. We have to pay attention to context, and that's what we try to do here in Allers English is teach you everything in the context of a conversation. So shall we just dive right into it, Aubry?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, let's dive in. So sickening is an adjective. It can be used negatively to mean something is super disappointing or disgusting.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Right. And for example, his behavior is sickening. That means you find it appalling. You think it is, you know, atrocious, despicable.

[Aubrey Carter]

Disgusting. Yes, yes. And maybe it makes you feel sick how bad it is. Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Or that politician's actions are sickening. Right. We've all. We've all been there where we see someone doing things that are just ear. Unexcusable. We can call them sickening.

[Aubrey Carter]

I think I'm permanently sickened right now. We are sickened by everything that's going on. So that's a side point. But then there are moments when you can use it in a positive way. Right. So here's an Example, that couple is so in love, it's sickening. Now, what is happening here, Aubrey? Let's break this down.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. So maybe you see a couple, you know, embracing, kissing, and you might say this to a friend, especially, like, if you're not in a relationship and you're a bit bitter. But really what you're saying is that it's beautiful. Like, this is beautiful. They're so in love. It's actually extremely positive. But we use this almost like slaying to be kind of funny. Be like, that is sickening. It's so beautiful. There's. Or maybe like, that baby is so cute. It's sickening, this word, to be like, sickening.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, I. I think that's definitely a valid way to use it, especially when you want to be really emphatic. And, you know, if you come back to another kind of physical response, let's say, I guess a. Listeners, if you've, you know, tasted American desserts, you might feel that they are sickening. Right. They're very sweet. This is another important piece here, Aubrey. Physically sickening, something is overly sweet or overly intense. So I think that's kind of related to this idea of, oh, this couple in love. It's just. It's like the metaphorical version of overdoing it on sweetness or intensity. Does that make sense?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. Right. And you can. Any smell or there are a lot of things that you could find sickening. And you literally mean. This is kind of making me sick to my stomach. Like a dessert that's too sweet, a very strong smell that's noxious. Right. But we also use it. Yeah. Just like you said, that overly sweet feeling. Yes. Sort of metaphorically, for kind of the love or cute babies.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. Is there any kind of food that you find sickening, Aubrey? Anything that most people like, but for you, it's just maybe too rich or too intense.

[Lindsey McMahon]

The only thing I find sickening is a food in the United States called sloppy joes. Have you ever had sloppy joe's?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, we used to have that a lot as a kid.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, same. And I hate them so much. It's like hamburger with, like, red sauce and you just slop it on a bun. I find it disgusting. I find it sickening. I don't know how anyone can eat it.

[Aubrey Carter]

That's so funny. I love that. You know, I. I was saying in another episode, I went to a steakhouse on. On Tuesday night and I order. I don't really eat steak, so I ordered gnocchi, and it was an appetizer. But of sickening, because it didn't have that great of a flavor, but it was just really creamy. It was. Must have been 5,000 calories on a plate.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Too rich.

[Aubrey Carter]

Sickening. After I had eaten three or four of them, I. It was sickening. It was too much.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. The other thing, just mentioning a steakhouse, if a steak is too rare or it's like bloody, I find that sickening too. Like, I get it. I don't want it overcooked, but I also don't want it bleeding on my.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly.

[Lindsey McMahon]

So this.

[Aubrey Carter]

So that's good. So when you think about using that in a positive way, it's kind of the metaphorical version of how you feel when you eat sloppy joes or when I ate the gnocchi. Right. It's kind.

[Lindsey McMahon]

It's.

[Aubrey Carter]

This is a good way to think of it, I think.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes, exactly. And what's interesting, we're going to also share sicken and sick, because sick we use positively a lot. But first, let's go over the verb sicken. So the adjective is sickening. The verb is sicken. So this is to make someone feel disgusted or appalled. So all of these examples, you could change them a little and say, you know, her behavior sickens me. I find it sickening. It sickens me.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes, exactly. Her behavior sickens me. I think this might be a new usage for a lot of our listeners. So I'm really excited for them to get this, you know, get this today and start using this. Or politicians often sicken me with their actions or their rhetoric, right?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. And in the same way, we can use this positively, just like sickening, and be like, oh, that couple is so cute kissing. They. It sickens me.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes, exactly. Right. That's a good point, too. It can also be used in that positive way. And we're just saying it's different reaction we're having. It's. It's over. It's too much.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Right, Exactly. Just using it as a verb instead of an adjective, but with the exact same meaning. Like that's overly sickly sweet.

[Aubrey Carter]

Too much. Exactly. And then if. If this is in your personality, again, this is the cool thing about our listeners at their level. Right. They have a choice whether to use things that fit in their personality or maybe don't. I don't think this next way is in everyone's personality to say. I don't think I would say this, but, Aubrey, what is it?

[Lindsey McMahon]

We've really wound up sick as an adjective used positively. It's slang to mean something is cool or impressive. It Is, like you said, part of someone's personality. And you have to remember it means cool. Like hip. It can't just mean good, right? You wouldn't be like that. TV is sick. I really like it. I bet it was expensive. Has to be something that it's like. You mean it's like a direct synonym for something being really cool, Right? Like, her tattoos are sick. I love them.

[Aubrey Carter]

And you have to really drive it home with your intonation.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Otherwise, like, her tattoos are sick.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Exactly. So her tattoos are sick. I love them. What else might we comment on?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Anything that was cool. Like maybe there's a paint, like a graffiti painting that you walk past, be like, that is sick. Like, you're. You're commenting. That's impressive. You think it's very cool. Oh, that's so sick.

[Aubrey Carter]

Or I could imagine, like, two dudes, you know, looking at the. Their car engine bringing up the hood. Oh, my gosh. Your engine is sick, right? A special engine or. I don't know, something like that.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And this is. It's been around for a long time. You might see it in a movie from the 50s, 60s, 70s. Someone's like, oh, sick, man. That's so cool. But we still hear it today. I still hear people.

[Aubrey Carter]

Has it been around since the 50s? That's so funny. I thought it was sort of a recur, a new or a, I don't know, new thing, but wow.

[Lindsey McMahon]

I'd have to look it up. I feel like I've heard it forever. But it could be one of those things that's just permeated the culture so much that feels like it's been around forever.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Right. I like you. You could have maybe heard it in fast times in Ridgemont High or something like that. Like the 70s.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

That makes sense. I bet that's about when it. When it came about in the 70s. Let's do a little mini role play here, because often you'll use it to respond to something.

[Aubrey Carter]

I love it. So here we go. Hey, I've started making graffiti art. It's really fun.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Sick. I want to see. I'm just saying. Cool. Sick.

[Aubrey Carter]

So that's why I'm saying it's. This is not in my personality to say this. It would. It just wouldn't. It would feel too. It. It kind does. I would say it feels a little young when you hear this. I'm gonna say that.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

And.

[Lindsey McMahon]

And I think it is mostly younger people that use it. Like you said, it's not. Doesn't mean you can't. But the Intonation is really important. What you're saying it about is really important. You wouldn't use this for just anything. Has to be something that really is pretty cool and unique.

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely. Anything else we need to know here, Aubrey?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. So like I had kind of mentioned before, be careful what you describe this about. You would never say like that symphony was sick. The mov. Sick. Especially with that intonation. Because of course sick also means ill. Like you are not feeling well. And so if you don't use it about the right things and with the intonation, it could be extremely confusing. Wait, you're sick? You feel. You feel sick? What? What's happening?

[Aubrey Carter]

I mean, I think you could say that movie was sick. You just have to deliver it the right way. I mean, don't you think anything could be sick? Because it's in our view that that was amazing. That movie was sick. Oh, you should have seen it. You didn't see it. You.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Okay, maybe if it's like an action film, something you would call cool romance. You would never call it sick. Right? Cuz you wouldn't call it cool.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, it has to be. I agree. So certain genres. Maybe a sci fi movie or something. Oh, this concept was sick, right?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. If you would call it cool, be like, oh, the effects were so cool. You'd be like, the effects were so sick. But if like a romance, even a romantic comedy, if you wouldn't call it cool, that romance was so cool. No, you would never say that.

[Aubrey Carter]

You might choose different word. You might choose different words. Yeah, it was so sweet or touching.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly. Felt.

[Aubrey Carter]

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[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah, I'll start us. I love your wallet. Is it new?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes, I found it on sale for an amazing price.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Sick. I love a good deal.

[Aubrey Carter]

Hey, have you spoken to Natalia? She told me what her ex did.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. I feel terrible for her. What he did sickens me.

[Aubrey Carter]

I agree. The whole situation is sickening. Let's get her a gift or flowers or something and see if she needs to talk nice. That's what good friends do, right?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Exactly right. And we use them all here. I first. And I wasn't saying the wallet was sick. If it were really cool, I maybe could be like, sick wallet. But I. I'm talking about the deal. Like, I love a good price, a good deal. So I'm saying like, oh, that's cool. You got a good deal. Sick. Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

Interesting. Right? Right. Right. Yeah, for sure. And then what? Oh, yeah, I said, so it sounds like her ex did something really bad. And then you said, yes, I feel terrible for her. What he did sickens me. And this is in a very negative way.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Right, exactly right. Whatever he's done, you know, he treated her poorly. And so we're saying I say what he did sickens me. And then you say the whole situation is. Is sickening. Using that as an adjective. And the. This is the negative way to use that. Right. Where it literally. We mean that it. It sickens us. We feel sick because of what he feels sick.

[Aubrey Carter]

And I think anytime in English when we can create that imagery. Right. Y. You're seeing something happening in front of you, whether it's something in the news or something that happened to your friend, and you're saying it's the equivalent of you feeling physically sick. That's powerful. Right?

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yeah. So. And we maybe could have added here, like, oh, they used to be such a cute couple. It was sickening how adorable they were and how perfect they were for each other. Yeah, right. Then it would be the positive.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, no, that's a really good one. I love that. Wow. This is a really high level episode if you really think about it. Guys, come back, listen again, and then start experimenting with one version, whether it's the positive sickening, the negative one, or the. The. The word sicken. Also try one of These. Okay.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes. And thank you, Matos, for this amazing question. So interesting. And we want to share where you can find the answer to the first part of his question. It was ALLERS English episode 2312. So you could scroll up or you could come find it on our blog. It was called them's the breaks. When to throw out grammar rules. Actually, the best way to find an older episode, it's not that old, but get the app and then you can search the episode number on the app.

[Aubrey Carter]

App. Yeah, go into the app. Just go into the app store, type in All Ears English. You can download the app for free. You can listen for free to all the episodes and you'll be able to find the episodes much faster by using that search bar. I totally agree. And maybe our listeners need to go to that episode to find out where that quote is from. Many of them already know. Right.

[Lindsey McMahon]

But if you don't, you don't want to miss out on that episode because it is a movie quote that has really permeated the culture. We use it all the time and it breaks grammar rules. So that episode gives you some details about when you can break grammar rules. Expressions. What, we use that like that. Them's the breaks. That's not grammatical.

[Aubrey Carter]

No. Be aware. Exactly. Any takeaway for our listeners today? I think we've, we've. This has been high level. I love it.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Yes, it's very high level. Words like sick and sickening are not just used to talk about being ill. Right. We want you to be able to use today's phrases to connect about something being cool or upsetting in English. And we want you to be aware of these multiple meanings for words so that you're not confused when you hear them.

[Aubrey Carter]

All right, sounds good, Aubrey. I'll see you very soon in the next episode. You have a good day.

[Lindsey McMahon]

All right, thanks, Lindy. You too. Next time.

[Aubrey Carter]

Bye.

[Lindsey McMahon]

Bye.

[Aubrey Carter]

Thanks for listening to All Ears English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com forward SLF fluency score. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.