drop-dead gorgeous
Drop-dead gorgeous: Extremely beautiful, nearly always said of a woman. The adjectival “drop-dead” has been used in various contexts since about 1970. Alone, it means dazzling or awe-inspiring and can be applied to décor, clothing, illustrations, etc. Haruki Murakami presented an early usage in “Folklore for My Generation” (Translated by Alfred Birnbaum, 2006): “She… was one of a handful of girls who were drop-dead gorgeous.”
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Stunning
- Gorgeous
- Beautiful
- Mesmerizing
- Alluring
- Enchanting
- Breathtaking
Similar Expressions
- Knockout: An exceptionally attractive person.
- Head-turner: Someone who attracts a great deal of attention.
- Showstopper: Something or someone of striking beauty or excellence.
Antonyms
- Plain
- Unremarkable
- Homely
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.” – Anonymous
- “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, and I eat it.” – Anonymous
Inspirational Thought:
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” – Coco Chanel
Proverbs & Cultural References
- “Beauty is only skin deep.”
- “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” – John Keats
Literature & Media Recommendations
- Books:
- “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
- “Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” by Robin McKinley
- Movies:
- “Clueless” – For its portrayal of 90s beauty standards.
- “The Great Gatsby” – A visual delight with strong references to the aesthetics of beauty.
- Songs:
- “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- Poetry:
- “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
- “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare (‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’)
### Which of these phrases is synonymous with "drop-dead gorgeous"?
- [x] Breathtakingly beautiful
- [ ] Comfortably cozy
- [ ] Chirpily cheerful
- [ ] Mysteriously murky
> **Explanation:** "Breathtakingly beautiful" captures the same essence as "drop-dead gorgeous," describing extreme and stunning beauty.
### "That outfit is just _______!"
- [ ] Bland
- [ ] Functional
- [x] Drop-dead gorgeous
- [ ] Last-season
> **Explanation:** Saying the outfit is "drop-dead gorgeous" means it is exceptionally beautiful and eye-popping.
### True or False: "Drop-dead gorgeous" can be used to describe décor and clothing as well.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Yes! While often used for people, "drop-dead gorgeous" can also describe dazzling décor, clothing, or any incredibly attractive items.
### Who coined the phrase "drop-dead gorgeous"?
- [ ] William Shakespeare
- [ ] J.K. Rowling
- [x] Unknown (popularized around 1970)
- [ ] Mark Twain
> **Explanation:** The exact origin is unknown, but it became popular around the 1970s.
### Choose the phrase that matches: "She was a ______ of beauty."
- [ ] Bucket
- [x] Vision
- [ ] Cabbage
- [ ] Muddle
> **Explanation:** "Vision of beauty" aligns perfectly with meaning an exceptionally beautiful person.
Until next time, remember: True beauty shines from within and illuminates the world around you. 🌟✨
— E. Magnum Opus
