Usage notes. The oldest meaning of awesome is of “something which inspires awe”, but the word is now also a common slang expression. ... Consequently, as the word popularly became an expression for anything superb, in its original meaning it has tended to be replaced by the related word, awe-inspiring.

When did awesome become slang?

The earliest use of awesome comes in the late 16th century, and the word had the meaning of “filled with awe.” The problem with saying that this is the same meaning that kids today should intend when they say the word is that awe had a somewhat different meaning back then; it generally referred to feelings of severe ...

Is it OK to say awesome?

Do you hear the word “awesome” used all the time in English? ... The truth is that a word like “awesome” is perfectly fine between friends. It means that everything is great or that this is cool.