savage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, literary, and informal (slang).
Quick answer
What does “savage” mean?
Extremely cruel, violent, or uncontrolled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Extremely cruel, violent, or uncontrolled; primitive, uncivilized.
Can describe fierce criticism, intense attacks, or a person who is brutally honest. In informal contexts, can mean 'extremely good' or 'impressive'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. The informal positive sense ('that's savage!') is slightly more established in UK/Irish informal speech.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary negative connotations of brutality are strongest. The positive slang use is more marked in the US.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in formal writing due to its loaded nature. Higher in historical/literary texts and informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “savage” in a Sentence
savage [sb/sth] (verb)savage [sth] as [adj/noun]a savage [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “savage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The critic savaged the new play in the Guardian.
- The dog was savaged by a fox in the garden.
American English
- The senator savaged his opponent's proposal during the debate.
- The mountain lion savaged the deer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The company faced savage cuts.'
Academic
Used cautiously in history/anthropology with critical framing; more common in literary criticism ('a savage satire').
Everyday
Most common for describing attacks, criticism, or weather. Slang use as an exclamation ('Savage!').
Technical
Not typical in technical fields; avoided in social sciences due to pejorative connotations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “savage”
- Using it to describe people or cultures in a modern context (offensive).
- Confusing the adjective and verb forms.
- Overusing the informal positive sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly offensive and dehumanising. It has historically been used as a racist and colonial slur. Use extreme caution; it is best avoided for describing people.
In informal slang (especially among younger speakers), it can mean 'extremely good,' 'cool,' or 'ruthlessly impressive.' Example: 'That comeback was savage!'
Yes. As a verb, it means to attack or criticize someone or something ferociously and brutally. Example: 'The film was savaged by reviewers.'
'Wild' primarily means living in a natural state, not domesticated or cultivated. 'Savage' adds a strong layer of cruelty, violence, and lack of mercy. A wild animal might avoid humans; a savage animal attacks them.
Extremely cruel, violent, or uncontrolled.
Savage is usually formal, literary, and informal (slang). in register.
Savage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsævɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsævɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “savage as a meat axe (Aus/NZ informal: very angry)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SAVAGE lion in a cage (SAV-age) – fierce, wild, and untamed.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ATTACK IS A WILD ANIMAL (e.g., 'He savaged her arguments').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'savage' MOST likely to be considered problematic?