peachy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
very good, wonderful, or fine. You often use this when you are happy with how things are going.
excellent, fine, or satisfactory. This sense is informal and often carries a cheerful or lighthearted tone.
Simple“Everything is just peachy now that the sun is finally out.”
In context“After a stressful morning, the news that the project had been approved made everything feel just peachy.”
UsageOften used with the intensifier 'just'.
Teacher's tipWhile it can be sincere, be aware that modern speakers use this very frequently to mean the exact opposite.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to say something is 'great' when it is actually very bad or annoying.
used sarcastically to express frustration, resentment, or the fact that a situation is going poorly.
Simple“My car broke down and I'm late for work—just peachy.”
In context“Oh, peachy; the flight is delayed by six hours and I've already checked my luggage.”
UsageUsually delivered with a specific flat or exaggerated tone of voice to signal irony.
Teacher's tipIn modern conversation, this is perhaps the most common way to hear the word used.
From peach + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.