As a language expert with a focus on the English lexicon, I'm delighted to delve into the rich tapestry of the word "awesome." The journey of this term through the ages is a fascinating case study in linguistic evolution and the way meanings can shift over time.
The etymology of "awesome" can be traced back to the 1590s, where it was initially used with a sense of "profoundly reverential." It is a combination of the noun "awe," which signifies a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder, and the suffix "-some," which was often used to form adjectives indicating a tendency or likelihood of the noun's associated feeling or state. Thus, "awesome" originally implied a quality that inspired a sense of awe, often in a religious or solemn context.
By the 1670s, the meaning of "awesome" had slightly evolved to encompass the idea of "inspiring awe." This shift reflects a broadening of the term's application, moving beyond the strictly reverential to include any experience or entity that could elicit a strong emotional response characterized by a mix of fear, wonder, and admiration.
However, the most significant change in the connotation of "awesome" occurred much later, in the 1960s. It was during this decade that the word began to take on a more colloquial and weakened sense, coming to mean "impressive" or "very good." This transformation was likely influenced by the cultural shifts of the time, which saw a move towards more informal and casual language use in everyday communication. The term "awesome" became a popular slang expression, particularly among younger generations, to describe anything from a great concert to a tasty meal.
By around 1980, this casual usage of "awesome" had become quite vogue, and it has remained a staple in the English lexicon since. It's interesting to note how a word that once carried such weighty connotations has been embraced in a more light-hearted context. This flexibility is a testament to the dynamic nature of language and its ability to adapt to the social and cultural nuances of its users.
In contemporary English, "awesome" is often used to express approval or admiration for something that is considered to be exceptionally good or impressive. It has become a versatile term that can be applied to a wide range of subjects, from personal achievements to consumer products. The word is also frequently used in a hyperbolic or ironic manner, where it might be applied to something that is only mildly impressive or even mundane, as a form of playful exaggeration.
The related adverb "awesomely" and the noun "awesomeness" further extend the utility of this term, allowing for more nuanced expressions of the concept it embodies. "Awesomely" can be used to describe the manner in which something is done, emphasizing the impressive or remarkable nature of an action or event. "Awesomeness," on the other hand, refers to the quality or state of being awesome, often used to describe the inherent qualities of a person, place, or thing that inspire awe or admiration.
In slang, "awesome" has spawned a variety of definitions and phrases that enrich its usage. For instance, it can be used to express agreement or approval in response to a statement ("That's an awesome idea!"), or to describe someone who is particularly impressive or talented ("That guy is totally awesome at playing the guitar.").
In conclusion, the word "awesome" has undergone a remarkable transformation from its earliest roots as a term of profound reverence to its current status as a versatile and widely-used descriptor of impressiveness and excellence. Its journey reflects the fluidity of language and the ways in which words can take on new meanings in response to the ever-changing social and cultural landscape.

read more >>

1590s, "profoundly reverential," from awe (n.) + -some (1). Meaning "inspiring awe" is from 1670s; weakened colloquial sense of "impressive, very good" is recorded by 1961 and was in vogue from after c.1980. Related: Awesomely; awesomeness. Slang definitions & phrases for awesome.read more >>