Smashing
/ˈsmæʃɪŋ/noun
Very impressive, excellent, or stylish; also the present participle of smash.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Germanic root meaning to strike or break, and English later turned that force into a compliment—proof that language can turn destruction into status.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*smaitijaną
“to strike, hit”
Old English
OE
smeȝan
“to strike or beat”
Middle English
ME
smaschen
“to break to pieces, crush”
19th Century
English
smashing
“crushing, forceful; later excellent or splendid”
Modern English
English
smashing
“excellent, attractive, or stylish; also the present participle of smash”