General
outstanding
What does outstanding mean?
A superlative used to mark approval; frequently deployed with heavy sarcasm when things go wrong.
"Lost the map and the radio? Outstanding."
Origin
U.S. Marine Corps slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Outstanding' mean in Marine slang?
It is an emphatic word of approval. Marines use it to signal that something is excellent — though it is very often said sarcastically when a situation has gone badly.
How can you tell if it's sarcastic?
Context and tone. If everything just fell apart and someone flatly says 'Outstanding,' they mean the opposite. Said with genuine energy after a win, it is real praise.
Where does it come from?
It is common U.S. Marine Corps slang, where 'Outstanding' functions as an all-purpose reaction word.
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