What does 'brilliant' mean in British English? It seems to mean more than clever.
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.
Register: Casual to professional in British English. Sounds distinctly British to non-British ears.
Tags: British English, praise, intensifiers, everyday English
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