How, When, and If You Should Use "Freaking" in Conversation

PDF download Download Article
The meaning of this F-word alternative & safer non-swear words to try
PDF download Download Article

"Freaking" is a word you'll hear a lot of kids and adults using in casual conversation these days. Sometimes it sounds like a curse, and other times it sounds like the person saying it is happy or in awe of something. Given that people of all ages say it, it's a good idea to discover what it means, whether it's safe for you and your loved ones to use it, and how you should say it to convey the right message. Find out all of that and more in our full guide to this F-word substitute.

Is "freaking" a bad word to use?

It depends on the context. "Freaking" is a substitute for the F-word. While its original meaning isn't offensive, some people may be offended if you use it in a formal setting. But in casual conversations with people you're comfortable around, "freaking" is a safe alternative swear word.

Section 1 of 7:

Is "freaking" a swear word?

PDF download Download Article
  1. No, "freaking" is not a swear word, but it still offends some people. "Freaking" is an adjective that emphasizes the word it describes. It's a PG-rated alternative to the F-word and a safer, less offensive way to make a statement sound more forceful – but some people may still find it impolite or inappropriate depending on the context. [1]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Is "freaking" a bad word in the Bible?

PDF download Download Article
  1. No, "freaking" isn't a curse word in the Bible and isn't a sin to say. This means religious people who obey the Bible can feel safe saying this word if they want to. However, they should avoid using it when they pray or while speaking to a religious official (i.e., a pastor, priest, or nun) out of respect. [2]
Section 3 of 7:

What does "freaking" mean in context?

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Freaking" is versatile and has different meanings based on context. For example, if the speaker complains about someone and says, "That freaking guy!" and rolls their eyes, that's an insult. If the speaker praises someone and says, "They're so freaking talented!" and smiles, that's a compliment. [3]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

How to Use "Freaking" in Conversation

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    "This is so freaking good!" Use this phrase when you're talking about something you think is exceptionally good, like a delicious dessert you're eating or a mind-blowing movie you're watching.
  2. 2
    "That's freaking awesome!" Say this phrase to compliment someone else's work or a cool purchase they made. It's also appropriate to say about a place or thing that inspires awe, like a giant rollercoaster or a national monument.
  3. 3
    "This is so freaking frustrating!" Use this when something you're doing or an object you're fiddling with is giving you trouble. For example, you can say it when you're struggling with filing your taxes or when you've been trying (and failing) to figure out why an appliance isn't working.
  4. 4
    "That freaking person!" This phrase works in a variety of contexts. First, you can use it to compliment someone who's impressed you. Second, you can say it when someone makes you feel frustrated or angry. Lastly, you can say it to describe someone in a neutral, joking way when they've been silly or clumsy.
  5. 5
    "It was a freaking nightmare." This phrase is most appropriate to say when you're describing difficult or traumatic events and situations. For example, someone who was in a car accident might use it to vent about the experience.
  6. 6
    "You're so freaking cool/talented/awesome." Say this to compliment or uplift someone you really like and admire. They don't have to do something specific to earn it; you could simply say it to express your deep love and appreciation for them or to boost their confidence when they're down.
  7. 7
    "What the freak!" This is similar to "What the hell" or "What the heck." It's what you say when you're shocked or puzzled by something. You can say it in a positive context – like when you walk into a surprise party held in your honor – or in a negative context – like after you hear that something terrible has happened.
    8. Advertisement
Section 5 of 7:

When and With Whom to Say "Freaking"

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Avoid using "freaking" when speaking in a formal setting or capacity. If you're having a conversation with your boss at work or speaking on behalf of the company that employs you, you should refrain from using slang and emphasizers. They may make you sound less reputable. [4]
  2. 2
    Avoid saying "freaking" around an elder or respected person. Always be on your best behavior in front of someone you respect and avoid cursing with swear words and non-swear substitutes. Plus, when you talk to an elderly person , they may not understand what "freaking" means and take it the wrong way. [5]
  3. 3
    Do say "freaking" around trusted friends and family members. If you're around people you know (and who don't mind it), absolutely feel free to use "freaking" in your conversations! It's far more polite than the F-word and free of any vulgar meaning, making it safe even for kids to use (with parental consent). [6]
    4. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

Safer Alternatives to "Freaking"

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Cursed, blasted, and rotten. These are strong negative words that stand on their own and will help you express how awful something is without resorting to using a slang term. [7]
  2. 2
    Marvelous, wonderful, and great. Instead of saying, "That's freaking awesome!" or "You're freaking amazing!" try deploying one of these positive adjectives to express positivity and delight in less time (and to show off your incredible vocabulary). [8]
    3. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

Other F-Word Substitutes

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    "Flipping" "Flipping" can be swapped for "freaking" in any negative conversation – i.e., "That flipping guy!" or "That was a flipping nightmare!" It doesn't work as well in positive contexts. [9]
  2. 2
    "Frigging" "Frigging" has a stronger negative meaning than "flipping" or "freaking." The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as "a rude word used to give more force to an expression of anger." [10]
    • Use your good judgment when using "flipping" or "frigging" in your conversations. You should follow the same rules for "freaking" and avoid saying any F-word substitute in a formal conversation.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Everything You Need to Know About Skibidi & Skibidi Toilet
      What Does "Sigma" Mean on TikTok?
      What Does "Bop" Mean in Slang & Why Is It Problematic for Girls?
      What Does "I'm Cooked" Mean? TikTok Slang, Explained
      What Does "Unc Status" Mean?
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      What Did Doc Holliday Mean by “I’m Your Huckleberry”?
      Everything You Need to Know About the “My Roman Empire” TikTok Trend
      What Is Glazing?
      What Does GGG Mean?
      Your Ultimate Guide to Millennial Slang
      What Zesty Really Means on TikTok
      What Does the Slang Term “FAFO” Mean? (Plus How to Use It)
      What Does Fanum Tax Mean & Where Did It Come From?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/freaking
      2. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/freaking_adj?tl=true
      3. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/freaking
      4. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/freaking
      5. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/freaking
      6. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/freaking
      7. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freaking
      8. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/freaking
      9. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/flipping
      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/frigging

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement