In German
geil
Meaning: awesome, cool (originally a vulgar word, now mainstream slang)
Formal or informal? Very casual. “Geil” originally meant sexually aroused/horny, and still can in that context, but has become completely mainstream slang for “awesome” among all ages — context makes the meaning obvious. Still avoid it in formal or professional writing.
Example sentences
DasKonzertwargeil!
The concert was awesome!
GeilesAuto,Mann.
Cool car, man.
DasWetteristheutegeil.
The weather is awesome today.
Common mistake
Don't be shocked by “geil” meaning “awesome” in casual speech — the slang meaning is now far more common day-to-day than the original vulgar sense, though the vulgar meaning still exists in the right context.
Quick check
Which slang word means “awesome” or “cool”, though it originally had a vulgar meaning?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Does “geil” still mean something vulgar?
It can, in a sexual context, but in everyday speech it overwhelmingly just means “awesome” or “cool”.
Is “geil” appropriate for all ages to use?
It's used very broadly, but it still carries a casual, non-formal tone — fine among friends, not in formal writing.