Cool MateThat's not cool vs That's not right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not cool
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That's not right
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: That's not rightMost common: That's not cool
| That's not cool | That's not right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt kuːl//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt kul// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt// |
| Meaning | That behavior is not acceptable or nice. | That is incorrect or unfair. |
| Example | John didn't invite Mia to the party. That's not cool. | When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not cool at all, that's really not cool, that's so not cool | that's not right at all, that's not right to say, that's not right for you, that's not right in this situation |
| Common mistakes | Using in formal conversations where a more serious tone is needed., Confusing with 'that's cool', which means approval., Mispronouncing it as 'that's knot cool'. | Using in a formal report or presentation where a softer expression is better., Misusing it in a context where clarification is needed instead of just saying it's wrong. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to express disapproval. Avoid in formal settings. Suitable among friends or in relaxed environments. | Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's not cool vs That's not right
What's the difference between That's not cool and That's not right?
That's not cool: That behavior is not acceptable or nice. That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair.
Which is more formal: That's not cool and That's not right?
That's not right is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That's not cool and That's not right?
That's not cool is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's not cool: John didn't invite Mia to the party. That's not cool. That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'
Can I use That's not cool and That's not right interchangeably?
Not always. That's not cool and That's not right are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.