Gross Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• The term is often used in TV and movies to describe disgusting scenes or situations, such as in horror films.
• Shows like 'Bad Girls Club' popularized the phrase 'that’s so gross' among younger audiences.
• Social media influencers frequently use it to describe trends or behaviors they find unappealing.

Psychology

• The feeling of grossness can trigger a 'disgust response', which is an evolutionarily developed reaction to protect us from harmful substances.
• Studies show that what one person finds gross, another might not, indicating personal and cultural differences in perception.
• Disgust is linked to moral judgments; people often label certain behaviors as gross to express their disapproval.

Education

• Teaching children about what is considered gross can help them understand hygiene and safety.
• Science experiments often involve gross phenomena, such as exploring moldy food to learn about bacteria.
• Discussing gross things in a classroom can engage students and make learning memorable.

Food

• Certain foods might be perceived as gross by some, like insects in culinary dishes, which are delicacies in various cultures.
• The term 'gross' is often used to describe expired or spoiled food items.
• Culinary trends like 'extreme food challenges' often play on the idea of eating things that might be considered gross.

Main points about word origin

• This word comes from the Latin 'grossus', meaning 'thick' or 'coarse'.
• In the 15th century, it began to be used in English to describe something large or bulky.
• The modern meaning relating to something unpleasant started to appear in the 18th century.

The word 'gross' has its origins in Middle English, from the Old French 'gros', meaning big or coarse. Over time, its usage has evolved to encompass financial, size-related, and disgusting connotations. The adjective 'gross' can be used in various contexts to describe something large, repulsive, or earnings before deductions.

See also: engross.

This word ranks #1,986, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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