supersize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, commercial, marketing
Quick answer
What does “supersize” mean?
To make something much larger than the usual or standard size, especially regarding portions of food or drink.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something much larger than the usual or standard size, especially regarding portions of food or drink.
To increase the scale, capacity, or scope of something significantly beyond its normal parameters. Can refer to portions, products, projects, or concepts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is predominantly used in American English, particularly in fast-food marketing. In British English, it's understood but less ingrained in the commercial lexicon; 'large' or 'extra large' are more common for food portions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of excess and American-style consumerism. In the UK, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In British English, its use is often a direct reference to American practices or used ironically.
Grammar
How to Use “supersize” in a Sentence
[VN] (supersize something)[V] (as a command: 'Would you like to supersize?')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supersize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- For an extra pound, you can supersize your drink to a litre.
- The cinema has decided to supersize all their popcorn buckets.
American English
- Do you want to supersize that combo for 50 cents?
- They supersized the stadium to hold 20,000 more fans.
adverb
British English
- The meal was served supersize, enough for two people.
- (Rarely used)
American English
- They built the truck supersize to haul more cargo.
- (Rarely used)
adjective
British English
- He regretted ordering the supersize cola.
- The supersize packet of crisps was meant for sharing.
American English
- I got the supersize fries and couldn't finish them.
- The new TV comes in a supersize 85-inch model.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing and retail to denote a larger product offering for an increased price.
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociology or cultural studies texts discussing consumption.
Everyday
Almost exclusively related to food and drink orders.
Technical
Not typical.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supersize”
- Using it as a noun (*'I'll have a supersize' vs. 'I'll supersize my meal').
- Applying it to non-physical concepts where 'scale up' is better.
- Spelling as two words: 'super size'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and heavily associated with commercial, particularly fast-food, language.
Its standard use is as a verb or adjective. Using it as a noun (e.g., 'I'll have a supersize') is a colloquial back-formation from the marketing command and is non-standard.
It was popularized in the 1990s by McDonald's marketing for a larger portion of fries and a drink. The term itself is a compound of the prefix 'super-' and the word 'size'.
Primarily, yes. While it can be extended metaphorically to other things (e.g., 'supersize your ambitions'), such use is often playful or critical, referencing its commercial food origins.
To make something much larger than the usual or standard size, especially regarding portions of food or drink.
Supersize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpəsaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpɚsaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “supersize me (popularized by documentary title)”
- “go supersize”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUPERman-sized meal. SUPER + SIZE = a size that's super big.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORE IS UP / BIGGER IS BETTER (often critiqued as BIGGER IS EXCESSIVE).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'supersize' most naturally used?