Cool MateThat is messed up vs That's crazy
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That is messed up
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
That's crazy
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: That's crazy
| That is messed up | That's crazy | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ɪz mɛst ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæt ɪz mɛst ʌp// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈkreɪzi//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈkreɪzi// |
| Meaning | That is not right or fair | That's unbelievable or surprising. |
| Example | I can't believe they canceled the concert. That is messed up. | Did she really win the lottery? That's crazy! |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | really messed up, that's so messed up, completely messed up, it’s messed up, this is messed up | that's insane, you can't be serious, seriously, that's crazy |
| Common mistakes | Misusing in formal contexts where a more polite phrase is needed., Confusing with 'that's messed', which is incomplete., Using without context; it should follow a statement. | Used in formal contexts where it's inappropriate., Confused with 'that's insane' — similar, but can imply more seriousness. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to express disapproval or disbelief. It’s informal, often used in casual conversation among friends. | Used in casual conversations to express disbelief or surprise, typically among friends. Avoid in formal settings or professional communication. |
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Frequently asked questions: That is messed up vs That's crazy
What's the difference between That is messed up and That's crazy?
That is messed up: That is not right or fair That's crazy: That's unbelievable or surprising.
Which is more common: That is messed up and That's crazy?
That's crazy is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That is messed up: I can't believe they canceled the concert. That is messed up. That's crazy: Did she really win the lottery? That's crazy!
Can I use That is messed up and That's crazy interchangeably?
Not always. That is messed up and That's crazy 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.