26 Other Ways to Say “That’s Cool”
“That’s cool” is one of the most popular expressions used to show approval, admiration, or casual acceptance of something—whether it’s a great idea, an impressive action, or an interesting piece of news. For example, when someone tells you they just got tickets to a concert, a quick “That’s cool” can capture your positive reaction without needing to say much more.
However, as with many casual phrases, using the same expression repeatedly can become monotonous or limit your ability to convey nuance. This article explores a range of alternatives to “That’s cool” that can help you add more color, variation, and clarity to your conversations, whether you’re chatting with friends, writing dialogue, or trying to elevate your everyday language.
Other Ways to Say “That’s Cool”
1. That’s Awesome
Example: “You got the job? That’s awesome!”
Meaning: Expresses a high level of excitement or approval.
Usage: Common in both casual and semi-formal settings to show enthusiasm or support.
2. That’s Amazing
Example: “You finished the marathon? That’s amazing.”
Meaning: Emphasizes admiration or surprise in a positive way.
Usage: Suitable for impressive achievements or remarkable events.
3. That’s Impressive
Example: “You built that website yourself? That’s impressive.”
Meaning: Conveys admiration for skill or accomplishment.
Usage: Often used in professional or respectful settings.
4. That’s Great
Example: “You’re moving into your own apartment? That’s great.”
Meaning: A general expression of approval or happiness for someone.
Usage: A go-to alternative for many neutral or positive situations.
5. That’s Interesting
Example: “You’ve started learning Japanese? That’s interesting.”
Meaning: Shows polite curiosity or approval in a neutral tone.
Usage: Good for professional or casual discussions when trying to stay open-minded.
6. That’s Dope
Example: “Nice new shoes—those are dope.”
Meaning: Slang for something that’s stylish or impressive.
Usage: Best for informal and youth-oriented conversations.
7. That’s Lit
Example: “This party is lit!”
Meaning: Highly informal slang used to describe something exciting or fun.
Usage: Popular among younger speakers, especially in social media and nightlife contexts.
8. That’s Tight
Example: “You got backstage passes? That’s tight.”
Meaning: Another slang term for something cool or exclusive.
Usage: Informal, often used among close friends.
9. That’s Fire
Example: “Your new track is fire.”
Meaning: Used in modern slang to express intense approval or praise.
Usage: Typically heard in music, fashion, or online culture.
10. That’s Wild
Example: “You saw a bear on your hike? That’s wild.”
Meaning: Expresses shock, excitement, or amazement in an informal tone.
Usage: Fits adventurous or unexpected stories.
11. That’s Sick
Example: “You did a backflip off the wall? That’s sick.”
Meaning: Slang that actually means “really cool” or “amazing.”
Usage: Youthful and informal—often used in sports or creative communities.
12. That’s Sweet
Example: “You got me a coffee? That’s sweet.”
Meaning: Shows appreciation and warmth, often for kind gestures.
Usage: Casual and friendly, but also tender in tone.
13. That’s Neat
Example: “You collect vintage coins? That’s neat.”
Meaning: A polite and somewhat old-fashioned way to show interest.
Usage: Works well in polite, low-key conversations.
14. That’s Fascinating
Example: “You study insects? That’s fascinating.”
Meaning: Indicates genuine intellectual or emotional interest.
Usage: Great for more formal or thoughtful dialogue.
15. That’s Phenomenal
Example: “You designed that app in a week? That’s phenomenal.”
Meaning: Conveys extreme admiration or praise.
Usage: Best used for remarkable achievements or situations that stand out clearly.
16. That’s Incredible
Example: “You’ve traveled to 30 countries? That’s incredible.”
Meaning: Strongly emphasizes surprise and admiration.
Usage: Suitable for both casual and formal situations.
17. That’s Wonderful
Example: “You’re getting married? That’s wonderful.”
Meaning: Expresses warm, sincere happiness or approval.
Usage: Often used in heartfelt or emotionally supportive conversations.
18. That’s Stellar
Example: “Your performance last night was stellar.”
Meaning: High praise suggesting excellence or brilliance.
Usage: Ideal for creative or academic recognition.
19. That’s Rad
Example: “Your custom skateboard is rad.”
Meaning: Slang from the 80s–90s, still used today to mean very cool.
Usage: Informal, nostalgic, and often regional.
20. That’s Wicked
Example: “You got VIP tickets? That’s wicked.”
Meaning: British or East Coast U.S. slang for something really cool.
Usage: Informal, especially in regional dialects.
21. That’s Classy
Example: “Your outfit is so elegant. That’s classy.”
Meaning: Complimenting something refined or tasteful.
Usage: Works well for style or behavior-oriented situations.
22. That’s Bold
Example: “You pitched that idea directly to the CEO? That’s bold.”
Meaning: Shows admiration for courage or daring actions.
Usage: Great for showing respect for risk-taking or confident moves.
23. That’s Legit
Example: “That new burger place is legit.”
Meaning: Slang indicating something is genuinely good or authentic.
Usage: Informal and used to validate quality or experience.
24. That’s Lovely
Example: “You made dinner for everyone? That’s lovely.”
Meaning: Expresses warmth, beauty, or kindness.
Usage: Polite and commonly used in British English or softer contexts.
25. That’s Epic
Example: “The hike was 12 miles with waterfalls. That’s epic.”
Meaning: Used to describe something grand, intense, or memorable.
Usage: Often hyperbolic and used to describe big adventures or major wins.
26. That’s Smart
Example: “You invested in solar panels? That’s smart.”
Meaning: Compliments intelligence, foresight, or cleverness.
Usage: Ideal for praising smart decisions or plans.
When to Use Different “That’s Cool” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
While some expressions like “That’s awesome” or “That’s great” can work in many office environments, professional language often benefits from words like “That’s impressive,” “That’s interesting,” or “That’s smart,” which offer a tone of respectful acknowledgement without being too casual or slangy. These phrases show appreciation while maintaining a degree of formality.
In Friendly or Informal Conversations
In casual conversations with friends, feel free to use expressions like “That’s dope,” “That’s lit,” or “That’s wild,” as these inject energy and personality into your speech. They help you sound current, relaxed, and enthusiastic when talking about anything from cool music to exciting news.
In Creative or Expressive Contexts
Creative environments such as art, design, writing, or music often welcome more expressive or stylish language like “That’s fire,” “That’s epic,” or “That’s stellar.” These phrases offer more personality and can help communicate deeper levels of enthusiasm, support, or inspiration.
Conclusion
While “That’s cool” is a widely accepted and easy way to express approval or interest, relying on it too often can flatten the richness of your communication. With 26 vibrant alternatives available, each carrying its own tone and nuance, you can tailor your expression to fit the moment—whether you’re talking to a colleague, admiring a friend’s creativity, or simply reacting to a piece of news with more energy and clarity.
By expanding your vocabulary with thoughtful alternatives, you not only keep your language fresh and engaging, but you also show attentiveness to the context and emotional depth of the conversation.
FAQs
What does “That’s cool” mean?
“That’s cool” is an informal expression used to show approval, interest, or admiration toward something someone else said or did. It typically conveys a positive reaction in a casual tone.
Is “That’s cool” professional?
While “That’s cool” is generally seen as informal, it can be used in lighthearted professional environments. In more formal settings, alternatives like “That’s impressive” or “That’s great” may be more appropriate.
What’s a more expressive way to say “That’s cool”?
Depending on the context, you could use “That’s amazing,” “That’s phenomenal,” or “That’s epic” for more emphasis and energy.
Can I use “That’s cool” in writing?
Yes, but consider your audience. For formal writing or business communication, it’s better to choose more polished alternatives like “That’s fascinating” or “That’s wonderful.”
