the bomb

== English == === Alternative forms === (a success): da bomb === Etymology === Attested in reference to nuclear weapons or the capacity to use them since 1932; see quotations, below. As slang for something excellent, the phrase is attested since the 1960s; compare go down a bomb, UK theatre slang during the 1950s meaning “be a major success”. For further etymology see bomb. === Pronunciation === === Noun === the bomb (usually uncountable, plural the bombs) (informal, often capitalized) The atomic bomb; the capability to launch a nuclear attack. (slang, figurative) A success; something excellent. Synonym: the shit ==== Usage notes ==== The two diametrical slang meanings are distinguished by the article. For “a success”, the phrase is generally the bomb. Otherwise bomb can mean “a failure”. (cf. the shit) ==== Derived terms ==== === References ===