What does "ace" mean in British English?
"Ace" means excellent or brilliant in British English. Here's how it's used and why it sounds dated to some British ears.
What it means
Excellent, brilliant, great - used to express enthusiastic approval.
"That film was absolutely ace!"
"She's an ace goalkeeper." (excellent - adjective before noun)
"Ace!" - used on its own as an exclamation of delight
As a verb - to ace something
To do something brilliantly (more American):
"She aced the exam." (got a perfect or near-perfect result)
"He aced the interview." (performed brilliantly)
Register and age
In British English, ace as an exclamation of approval is associated with the 1980s–90s and sounds slightly nostalgic or retro to modern ears. Younger British speakers might use it ironically. As a verb, acing something is current and common.
Regional note
Ace survives more naturally in parts of Northern England and Wales.
A native would say
- "Brilliant" - the more timeless British equivalent
- "Wicked" - another approving slang term, especially London
- "Quality" - Northern British, similar energy
- "Smashed it" - current slang for performing brilliantly
What does "ace" mean?
Excellent, brilliant, great - used to express enthusiastic approval.
"That film was absolutely ace!"
"She's an ace goalkeeper." (excellent - adjective before noun)
"Ace!" - used on its own as an exclamation of delight
Is "ace" formal or informal?
In British English, ace as an exclamation of approval is associated with the 1980s–90s and sounds slightly nostalgic or retro to modern ears. Younger British speakers might use it ironically. As a verb, acing something is current and common.
What's another way to say "ace"?
- "Brilliant" - the more timeless British equivalent
- "Wicked" - another approving slang term, especially London
- "Quality" - Northern British, similar energy
- "Smashed it" - current slang for performing brilliantly
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