all that

adjective

Etymology

Developed from meanings of the phrase all that, which is recorded earlier in other varieties of English in the senses "especially, particularly" and "all that sort of thing." See OED all that, phr. at that, pron. P.1.c.i. & P.1.c.ii. Compare OED all that, phr. at that, pron. P.1.c.iv.

Meaning & use

Also alla that

  1. 2000–Describing a person who is impressive, exceptional, or attractive. Sometimes used sarcastically when criticizing a person who is perceived as having an inflated self-opinion. Also occurs as all that and a bag of chips for emphasis.
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    2000
    Pop music idol Bobby Brown sizzles on stage with hit , but offstage...singer says "I don't think I'm all that."
    K. Shamsie Salt & Saffron 2001 xiii. 123
    2001
    She thought she was all that and a bag of chips wearing one of the ugliest red dresses she had ever seen like something from the seventies.
    I. McEwan Atonement 354
    2002
    Honey, I'm Vanessa Williams, Catwoman, and Jessica Rabbit rolled into one. I'm all that and a bag of chips.
    P. Collins Men from Boys 180
    2002
    A number of women living in the projects and surrounding neighborhood, thought LaJohn was "all that and a bag of chips."
    K. B. Sullivan Full Cup 167
    2002
    Your ex wasn't even all that, you just want the validation of someone who didn't want you. Leave him alone
    L. B. Rapp Mazel Tov 76
    2003
    I'm still alla that. I draw strength daily from the history of struggle and survival that is a black woman's spiritual legacy.
    T. Morrison Love 149
    2007
    That I'm the best rapper on wax—I'm all that.
    S. Worboyes Lipstick & Powder iii. 91
  2. 2001–Describing something that is especially impressive, first-rate, or high quality. Also occurs as all that and a bag of chips for emphasis.
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    2001
    Did you like what you just witnessed in this student publication? Was it "all that and a bag of chips?"
    Guardian 21 April (Weekend Supplement) 52/3
    2001
    The club wasn't even all that in my opinion. Nothing really stood out about it.
    Bodyboarding Magazine December–January 64/1
    2006
    "What did you enjoy the most?" I asked... "The Shakespeare stuff was all that."
    Driven September 22/2
    2007
    After watching the fantastic four movie I've come to the conclusion that I just don't like them they're boring and all their movies have been trash the last one was cool see galactics and the baby but other than that shit wasn't all that
    Christianity Today July 26/1

See also

  • cool
  • fire
  • fresh