Why the term terrific?

The short answer is "sloppy usage", as with the current use of the word *awesome* by folk who wouldn't know awe if it'd jerked their jaws down.

I want to scream with I hear "decimate" used by newscasters when devastate or annihilate are obviously intended. Properly, decimation is a 10% loss.

By extension, terrific could be thought of as exciting, expecially by those who love roller coasters.

Terrific does not necessarily mean something good. It can mean something out of the ordinary. However, since people seldom use it for that meaning, the conotation has turned towards a positive end rather than a negative one.

***P.S. could you PLEASEEE answer my question about Shakesperean clothes in 1603-1606?****

TERRIFIC:

1. extraordinarily great or intense: terrific speed.

2. extremely good; wonderful: a terrific vacation.

3. causing terror; terrifying.

TERRIBLE:

1. distressing; severe: a terrible winter.

2. extremely bad; horrible: terrible coffee; a terrible movie.

3. exciting terror, awe, or great fear; dreadful; awful.

4. formidably great: a terrible responsibility

I agree with you. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me either. Read the following definition of the word.

One entry found for terrific.

Main Entry: ter·rif·ic

Pronunciation: t&-'ri-fik

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin terrificus, from terrEre to frighten

1 a : very bad : FRIGHTFUL b : exciting or fit to excite fear or awe <a terrific thunderstorm>

2 : EXTRAORDINARY <terrific speed>

3 : unusually fine : MAGNIFICENT <terrific weather>

- ter·rif·i·cal·ly /-fi-k(&-)lE/ adverb

that's a deadly question. hahaha.

one star for you.

I think it has something to do with when something is so wicked...aah so super it can shock you.

It's awesomeness shocked me it blew my brains out......that is a little violent...that's my best guess.

I think it means some thing great and amaizing.

thats a very interesting question

well .... that's a terrific question.

wow.. how did u find this question?? good one.

damn

Yuo're right