freak

The word "freak" is often used as a form of slang to describe a person’s surprise or shock at a situation. It’s usually followed by the preposition, "out."

• People who live in Boston are freaking out over the enormous amount of snow they’ve received this winter.
• I freaked when I saw how much it was going to cost to get my car fixed.
• Yolanda freaked out after learning her husband was in an accident.
• Tom’s boss freaked out when he reviewed last quarter’s sales figures. (He was surprised and unhappy.)
• I’m totally freaking out. (This is a common expression, especially among younger people.)

He’s freaking out.

A freak is also a person or a thing that is very unusual or has unusual physical features:

• Circuses, carnivals, and fairs used to feature freak shows and put people with physical deformities on display.
• A person who swallows swords, eats glass, or puts fire into his mouth would be called a freak.
• In the 1970s, the word "freak" was used to describe a person who consumed a lot of drugs.
• A neighbor down the street died in a freak accident. He was standing under a tree during a storm when suddenly a large branch fell off and killed him.

Note: It’s not polite to use the word "freak" to describe a person.

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March 6, 2015