Cool MateThat's crazy vs That's messed up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's crazy
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That's messed up
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
| That's crazy | That's messed up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈkreɪzi//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈkreɪzi// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts mɛst ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts mɛst ʌp// |
| Meaning | That's unbelievable or surprising. | That is unfair or wrong. |
| Example | Did she really win the lottery? That's crazy! | I can't believe they didn't give her a raise, that's messed up! |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | that's insane, you can't be serious, seriously, that's crazy | that's messed up, so messed up, really messed up |
| Common mistakes | Used in formal contexts where it's inappropriate., Confused with 'that's insane' — similar, but can imply more seriousness. | Used in formal situations where it's inappropriate., Overuse among friends, leading to less impact., Omitting context, making the phrase unclear. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to express disbelief or surprise, typically among friends. Avoid in formal settings or professional communication. | Use when expressing shock or disapproval in casual conversations. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's crazy vs That's messed up
What's the difference between That's crazy and That's messed up?
That's crazy: That's unbelievable or surprising. That's messed up: That is unfair or wrong.
Can you show an example of each?
That's crazy: Did she really win the lottery? That's crazy! That's messed up: I can't believe they didn't give her a raise, that's messed up!
Can I use That's crazy and That's messed up interchangeably?
Not always. That's crazy and That's messed up 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.