Definition of wicked

The word "wicked" has a complex and fascinating history. In Old English, the word "wicca" meant "sorcery" or "witchcraft," and was often used to describe something or someone evil or malevolent. This sense of "wicked" as both "bad" and "magical" continued into Middle English, where it was used to describe not only supernatural evil but also vice, immorality, and sinful behavior. Over time, the meaning of "wicked" evolved to primarily connote moral evil, with connotations of things that are cruel, malicious, or unjust. Despite this shift, the word's etymological connection to magic and sorcery remains, perhaps influencing its continued use in phrases like "wicked cool" or "wicked spellbinding." I hope this brief exploration of the word's origins has been wickedly enlightening!