Finding the right words to express enthusiasm or admiration can make your communication feel warmer, more personal, and meaningful. Simply saying “How cool” is fine, but with a variety of expressive alternatives, you can convey excitement, respect, or appreciation in a way that resonates with your audience.
This guide provides 30 creative ways to say “How cool” with examples and context so you can communicate with thoughtfulness and flair.
What Does “How Cool” Mean?
“How cool” is an informal phrase used to express admiration, approval, or excitement about something. It communicates positive feelings, amazement, or appreciation in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
For example, if a friend shares exciting news, “How cool!” signals that you share their enthusiasm and find their achievement impressive or enjoyable. Using alternatives allows your message to feel more personal and expressive, rather than repetitive.
When to Use “How Cool”?
You can use “How cool” when:
- You want to show excitement or admiration
- Responding to someone’s achievement or discovery
- Expressing genuine appreciation or surprise
- Keeping a friendly, lighthearted tone
It works in personal chats, social media, informal emails, and casual professional settings. For formal situations, consider more polished alternatives.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “How Cool”?
Yes, in casual or semi-formal contexts, it is polite and enthusiastic.
However, in formal professional writing, phrases like “That’s impressive” or “Remarkable” are more appropriate.
Pros or Cons of Saying “How Cool”
Pros:
- Friendly, approachable, and easy to use
- Shows genuine excitement or admiration
- Works well in casual conversations
Cons:
- Can be too casual for formal settings
- Overuse may seem generic or less sincere
- Lacks specificity about why something is impressive
1. Awesome
Meaning: Expresses great admiration or excitement.
Explanation: “Awesome” is a versatile alternative, showing you genuinely admire or enjoy something. It’s energetic, upbeat, and widely understood.
Examples:
- “You got the promotion? Awesome!”
- “That concert was awesome!”
- “Your artwork looks awesome, really creative.”
Best Use: Casual and semi-formal conversation
Worst Use: Highly formal professional emails
Why It Works: Positive, universal, quickly conveys enthusiasm
Tone: Excited, upbeat
2. Amazing
Meaning: Conveys that something is impressive or extraordinary.
Explanation: “Amazing” highlights astonishment or admiration, often for achievements, experiences, or discoveries.
Examples:
- “You ran a marathon? Amazing!”
- “That sunset view is amazing.”
- “The way you solved this problem is amazing.”
Best Use: Informal chats, social media, storytelling
Worst Use: Overused in repetitive contexts
Why It Works: Shows genuine wonder and appreciation
Tone: Friendly, admiring
3. Fantastic
Meaning: Something exceptionally good or impressive.
Explanation: “Fantastic” conveys enthusiasm and approval, often slightly more formal than “awesome”.
Examples:
- “You completed the project ahead of schedule? Fantastic!”
- “The new cafe downtown is fantastic.”
- “Your presentation today was fantastic, very clear and engaging.”
Best Use: Semi-formal and informal contexts
Worst Use: Too casual for formal academic writing
Why It Works: Expresses strong positive emotion
Tone: Excited, confident
4. Incredible
Meaning: Something difficult to believe due to excellence or uniqueness.
Explanation: Highlights astonishment or admiration. Perfect for achievements or unusual experiences.
Examples:
- “Your photography skills are incredible!”
- “The view from the mountaintop is incredible.”
- “You managed all these tasks alone? Incredible!”
Best Use: Personal chats, storytelling, social media
Worst Use: Overused in casual small talk
Why It Works: Emphasizes extraordinary nature or skill
Tone: Astonished, impressed
5. Brilliant
Meaning: Outstandingly clever, impressive, or enjoyable.
Explanation: “Brilliant” works well when complimenting ideas, work, or achievements.
Examples:
- “That idea you suggested is brilliant.”
- “Your solution to the problem is brilliant.”
- “You did a brilliant job on the presentation.”
Best Use: Semi-formal praise or casual conversation
Worst Use: Minor or trivial tasks
Why It Works: Highlights intelligence or skill positively
Tone: Admiring, appreciative
6. Remarkable
Meaning: Something worthy of attention and praise.
Explanation: “Remarkable” highlights exceptional qualities or achievements, making it ideal for both personal and semi-professional contexts.
Examples:
- “Your progress in learning Spanish is remarkable!”
- “The architecture of this building is remarkable.”
- “Completing the report on time is remarkable.”
Best Use: Formal recognition, semi-formal chats
Worst Use: Casual minor achievements
Why It Works: Shows respect and admiration while remaining polished
Tone: Professional, appreciative
7. Super
Meaning: Extremely good or impressive.
Explanation: “Super” is casual and playful, perfect for lighthearted excitement or approval.
Examples:
- “You baked these cookies? Super!”
- “That movie was super fun to watch.”
- “You finished the assignment already? Super!”
Best Use: Informal conversations, social media
Worst Use: Formal professional emails
Why It Works: Quick, energetic, and expresses enthusiasm
Tone: Playful, upbeat
8. Fabulous
Meaning: Exceptionally wonderful or impressive.
Explanation: Adds a touch of elegance and flair, suitable for both casual and semi-formal appreciation.
Examples:
- “Your performance tonight was fabulous!”
- “The decorations at the party are fabulous.”
- “What a fabulous idea for the project!”
Best Use: Personal compliments, semi-formal praise
Worst Use: Overused in casual chats
Why It Works: Conveys enthusiasm with a stylish touch
Tone: Warm, celebratory
9. Terrific
Meaning: Extremely good, enjoyable, or impressive.
Explanation: “Terrific” shows excitement and admiration without being over the top.
Examples:
- “Your presentation today was terrific!”
- “We had a terrific time at the festival.”
- “That solution is absolutely terrific.”
Best Use: Friendly and professional contexts
Worst Use: Too casual for academic writing
Why It Works: Positive, energetic, and universally understood
Tone: Excited, appreciative
10. Phenomenal
Meaning: Extremely remarkable or extraordinary.
Explanation: “Phenomenal” emphasizes astonishment and excellence, perfect for achievements that stand out.
Examples:
- “Your performance in the competition was phenomenal.”
- “The natural scenery was phenomenal.”
- “She completed the project with phenomenal efficiency.”
Best Use: Achievements, praise, inspirational contexts
Worst Use: Casual minor situations
Why It Works: Strongly conveys impressiveness and admiration
Tone: Astonished, admiring
11. Coolio
Meaning: Playful, casual way to say “cool” or impressive.
Explanation: Adds a fun, informal vibe, ideal for friendly messages or social media.
Examples:
- “You got tickets to the concert? Coolio!”
- “That skateboard trick was coolio!”
- “Your outfit today is coolio.”
Best Use: Social media, casual texting
Worst Use: Formal or professional emails
Why It Works: Fun, playful, engages friends and peers
Tone: Casual, upbeat
12. Neat
Meaning: Something pleasant, clever, or impressive.
Explanation: “Neat” is short, friendly, and slightly old-school, giving an informal charm.
Examples:
- “You fixed the code yourself? That’s neat!”
- “Your drawing is really neat.”
- “I found a neat solution for our problem.”
Best Use: Informal conversations, light praise
Worst Use: Highly formal communication
Why It Works: Simple, clear, relatable expression of approval
Tone: Casual, friendly
13. Splendid
Meaning: Magnificent or exceptionally good.
Explanation: “Splendid” carries a classic, slightly formal charm, perfect for highlighting quality or achievement.
Examples:
- “Your garden looks splendid.”
- “The decorations for the wedding are splendid.”
- “That’s a splendid idea for the campaign!”
Best Use: Semi-formal praise, storytelling
Worst Use: Casual texting among peers
Why It Works: Conveys elegance and admiration
Tone: Refined, warm
14. Rad
Meaning: Informal way to say cool or awesome.
Explanation: Popular in youth slang, emphasizes excitement and modern vibe.
Examples:
- “You learned to surf? Rad!”
- “That skateboard trick was rad.”
- “Your new playlist is rad.”
Best Use: Social media, casual conversations
Worst Use: Professional settings
Why It Works: Fun, youthful, expresses excitement
Tone: Playful, informal
15. Exceptional
Meaning: Extremely good or unusual in quality.
Explanation: “Exceptional” works in formal and semi-formal contexts, highlighting superiority or impressiveness.
Examples:
- “Your dedication to the project is exceptional.”
- “The chef prepared an exceptional meal.”
- “She demonstrated exceptional skill in the interview.”
Best Use: Professional praise, formal recognition
Worst Use: Casual minor achievements
Why It Works: Highlights high quality and excellence
Tone: Professional, respectful
16. Marvelous
Meaning: Extremely pleasing, wonderful, or impressive.
Explanation: “Marvelous” expresses admiration with a touch of classic elegance, suitable for both informal and semi-formal praise.
Examples:
- “Your performance today was marvelous!”
- “The dessert you made looks marvelous.”
- “What a marvelous idea for the campaign!”
Best Use: Personal compliments, storytelling
Worst Use: Very casual texting among peers
Why It Works: Elegant yet warm, expresses genuine delight
Tone: Warm, appreciative
17. Spectacular
Meaning: Something visually or emotionally striking.
Explanation: Highlights something exceptional and impressive, often used for experiences or achievements.
Examples:
- “The fireworks display was spectacular.”
- “Her performance on stage was spectacular.”
- “That view from the mountain top is spectacular.”
Best Use: Describing experiences or achievements
Worst Use: Minor or everyday tasks
Why It Works: Evokes wonder and admiration
Tone: Astonished, enthusiastic
18. Dope
Meaning: Slang for something very cool or impressive.
Explanation: Casual and trendy, “dope” conveys modern excitement, perfect for friends or social media.
Examples:
- “Your new sneakers are dope!”
- “That song is dope.”
- “The video you made is dope.”
Best Use: Informal texting, social media, peers
Worst Use: Professional or formal contexts
Why It Works: Short, trendy, expresses excitement naturally
Tone: Casual, playful
19. Exceptional
Meaning: Outstanding in quality, skill, or performance.
Explanation: Perfect for professional or semi-formal contexts where you want to highlight high standards.
Examples:
- “The quality of your report is exceptional.”
- “Her leadership in the project was exceptional.”
- “Your design skills are truly exceptional.”
Best Use: Professional praise, formal recognition
Worst Use: Minor achievements in casual contexts
Why It Works: Communicates excellence clearly
Tone: Professional, appreciative
20. Wicked
Meaning: Informal term for very cool or impressive.
Explanation: Popular in casual, youthful language, conveys enthusiasm and approval.
Examples:
- “That skateboard trick was wicked!”
- “Your new artwork is wicked.”
- “The party last night was wicked fun.”
Best Use: Social media, casual peer conversations
Worst Use: Professional or formal settings
Why It Works: Energetic and playful, captures attention
Tone: Fun, informal
21. Outstanding
Meaning: Extremely good or impressive, stands out from the rest.
Explanation: Highlights superior quality or achievement, useful in professional and personal praise.
Examples:
- “Your contributions to the project were outstanding.”
- “The service at the hotel was outstanding.”
- “That was an outstanding performance.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal recognition
Worst Use: Casual minor achievements
Why It Works: Shows respect and high appreciation
Tone: Formal, positive
22. Superb
Meaning: Excellent in quality or performance.
Explanation: Strong, positive word to convey admiration, slightly more refined than “great” or “awesome”.
Examples:
- “Your presentation today was superb.”
- “The dinner at the restaurant was superb.”
- “That solution you proposed is superb.”
Best Use: Semi-formal to formal appreciation
Worst Use: Minor everyday comments
Why It Works: Elegant and clear, communicates high approval
Tone: Refined, respectful
23. Impressive
Meaning: Evokes admiration or respect.
Explanation: Highlights achievement, skill, or quality in a neutral, widely accepted way.
Examples:
- “Your coding skills are very impressive.”
- “The building design is impressive.”
- “Completing this project in time is impressive.”
Best Use: Professional, semi-formal, personal recognition
Worst Use: Overused in casual repetitive comments
Why It Works: Shows admiration without exaggeration
Tone: Neutral, professional
24. Fantastic
Meaning: Extremely good, enjoyable, or impressive.
Explanation: Strongly positive, conveys enthusiasm and approval in casual and semi-formal contexts.
Examples:
- “That performance was fantastic.”
- “The recipe you shared is fantastic.”
- “You handled that meeting fantastically.”
Best Use: Informal and semi-formal settings
Worst Use: Overused in repetitive texts
Why It Works: Expresses strong positivity naturally
Tone: Excited, friendly
25. Jaw-Dropping
Meaning: Extremely astonishing or amazing.
Explanation: Perfect for describing things that are stunning or surprising.
Examples:
- “The view from the cliff was jaw-dropping.”
- “His magic trick was jaw-dropping.”
- “The finale of the show was jaw-dropping.”
Best Use: Personal storytelling, social media, experiences
Worst Use: Formal professional emails
Why It Works: Vividly conveys amazement and excitement
Tone: Dramatic, excited
26. Sensational
Meaning: Extremely good, exciting, or impressive.
Explanation: Highlights high impact or quality, suitable for professional and casual praise.
Examples:
- “The performance tonight was sensational.”
- “The new design is absolutely sensational.”
- “Her cooking skills are sensational.”
Best Use: Semi-formal praise, creative work recognition
Worst Use: Everyday minor tasks
Why It Works: Strong positive word that stands out
Tone: Enthusiastic, admiring
27. Cool Beans
Meaning: Fun, casual way to say “how cool” or awesome.
Explanation: Playful and informal, perfect for friendly conversations or texts.
Examples:
- “You got the tickets? Cool beans!”
- “You aced your test? Cool beans!”
- “Your dog learned a new trick? Cool beans!”
Best Use: Casual texting, friendly chats
Worst Use: Professional or formal settings
Why It Works: Lighthearted, fun, creates friendly tone
Tone: Playful, casual
28. Mind-Blowing
Meaning: Extremely astonishing or impressive.
Explanation: Highlights the wow factor, usually for surprising or extraordinary achievements.
Examples:
- “The technology behind this invention is mind-blowing.”
- “That performance was absolutely mind-blowing.”
- “The special effects in the movie were mind-blowing.”
Best Use: Personal storytelling, creative achievements
Worst Use: Casual daily tasks
Why It Works: Expresses strong amazement
Tone: Astonished, dramatic
29. Radically Cool
Meaning: Extremely unique, stylish, or impressive.
Explanation: Combines modern slang with emphasis on exceptional style or originality.
Examples:
- “Your custom bike is radically cool!”
- “This app design is radically cool.”
- “That skateboard trick was radically cool!”
Best Use: Casual, youthful contexts
Worst Use: Professional emails
Why It Works: Emphasizes uniqueness and trendiness
Tone: Playful, energetic
30. Top-Notch
Meaning: Of highest quality or excellence.
Explanation: Works in both casual and professional contexts, highlighting superior standards or achievement.
Examples:
- “Your report was top-notch.”
- “The hotel service was top-notch.”
- “This cake you baked is top-notch!”
Best Use: Professional and casual recognition
Worst Use: Minor trivial tasks
Why It Works: Conveys high quality clearly and positively
Tone: Professional, confident
Conclusion
Using these 30 alternatives to “How Cool” allows you to:
- Communicate admiration, excitement, or approval more creatively
- Make your messages feel personal, thoughtful, and warm
- Match your tone to the context (casual, professional, semi-formal)
- Avoid repetitive language and show genuine enthusiasm
By choosing the right phrase for the right situation, your communication becomes more engaging, meaningful, and memorable — whether in friendly chats, social media posts, or semi-professional conversations.
