What does "brilliant" mean in British English?
In British English, "brilliant" is used for much more than intelligence. Here's all the ways it's used and what it signals.
What it means
In British English, "brilliant" has expanded far beyond its original meaning of very intelligent. It's now a general intensifier meaning excellent, wonderful, or fantastic.
The three uses
- Excellent: "That film was brilliant." "Brilliant work on the report."
- Response to good news: "I got the job!" "Brilliant!" (= that's great news)
- Intelligence/skill: "She's a brilliant scientist." (original meaning)
The subtle difference from "great"
"Brilliant" carries slightly more enthusiasm and British-ness. An American saying "brilliant" for a good sandwich sounds performative; a British person saying it sounds natural.
Sarcasm
"Oh, brilliant." said flatly = the opposite. This sarcastic use is very common.
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Casual to professional in British English. Sounds distinctly British to non-British ears.
What does "brilliant" mean?
In British English, "brilliant" has expanded far beyond its original meaning of very intelligent. It's now a general intensifier meaning excellent, wonderful, or fantastic.
Is "brilliant" formal or informal?
Casual to professional in British English. Sounds distinctly British to non-British ears.
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