killer
B2Informal to neutral. The literal sense is neutral; extended/metaphorical uses are informal.
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that kills, especially a person who commits murder.
Something that is extremely effective, difficult, or impressive; something that causes the end or failure of something else.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has expanded from its literal agentive meaning ('one who kills') to a highly productive metaphorical modifier meaning 'extremely effective or impressive' (e.g., killer app, killer instinct). It can be pejorative, neutral, or even positive depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The informal, hyperbolic adjectival use ('That was a killer exam') is common in both, perhaps slightly more entrenched in AmE.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. In informal contexts, it often conveys a sense of awe or formidable challenge.
Frequency
Comparatively high frequency in both, with similar distribution across literal and metaphorical uses.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
killer of + [victim type] (the killer of three men)adjective + killer (a contract killer)killer + noun (killer virus)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “killer instinct”
- “dressed to kill”
- “make a killing”
- “in at the kill”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'They've developed a killer feature that dominates the market.'
Academic
Rare; used in criminology/biology: 'The study profiled the psychological makeup of the serial killer.'
Everyday
Common for both serious and hyperbolic talk: 'The police are searching for the killer.' / 'This hill is a killer on my bike.'
Technical
In computing: 'killer app'; in biology: 'natural killer cell'; in entertainment: 'killer punch line'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He's got a killer serve in tennis.
- That final exam was an absolute killer.
American English
- She told a killer joke that had everyone laughing.
- This spicy sauce is killer!
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police caught the killer.
- Sharks are not always killers.
- The documentary was about a famous serial killer.
- Running up that hill is a killer!
- The prosecutor argued the defendant was a cold-blooded killer.
- Their new product is a killer in the marketplace.
- The novel delves into the psyche of a remorseless killer.
- His killer argument left the opposition with no rebuttal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a KILLER WHALE - it's in the name, and it's an impressive, powerful creature (linking literal and extended meanings).
Conceptual Metaphor
SERIOUS PROBLEMS/DIFFICULT TASKS ARE KILLERS; EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE THINGS ARE KILLERS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'killer' as a direct translation for professional hitman in formal contexts (use 'contract killer' or 'assassin').
- The informal adjective use ('killer legs') has no direct one-word equivalent in Russian; requires a paraphrase like 'потрясающий' or 'смертельный' (in a figurative sense).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'killer' as a verb (incorrect: 'He killer the man.' Correct: 'He killed the man' or 'He is the killer.').
- Overusing the informal adjectival sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'killer' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in informal contexts. Phrases like 'killer app', 'killer outfit', or 'killer performance' use it as a hyperbolic compliment meaning 'extremely effective or impressive'.
No. It can refer to animals, diseases, natural phenomena, or abstract concepts (e.g., 'stress is a killer').
'Murderer' specifically implies unlawful, premeditated killing of a person. 'Killer' is broader, covering lawful killing (e.g., in war), accidental killing, or the killing of anything (animals, plants).
It's an idiom meaning a ruthless determination to succeed or win, often in business or sports, showing no hesitation in defeating competitors.