φρικτός
Lemma: φρικτός
Translation: horrible; terrible; dreadful; gruesome (adjective)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek φρίσσω (phrissō) meaning 'to shudder, tremble'. Related to the English word 'friction' through the Proto-Indo-European root *bhris- (to bristle). The connection lies in the physical sensation of bristling or shuddering with fear or horror.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'freak' in English - something that makes you freak out is φρικτό
- Remember 'friction' - something φρικτό creates emotional friction
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in everyday speech to express strong negative reactions. Can be used both for serious situations and hyperbolically for minor inconveniences.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: φριχτός is an alternative form of φρικτός with exactly the same meaning
Confused word:
Είναι φριχτό το φαγητό.
The food is terrible.
Notes: φρικτός is slightly more common in modern usage
Mnemonic: Both forms are correct and interchangeable