Public Services and Procurement Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Important notice

Writing Tips has been archived and won’t be updated before it is permanently deleted.

For the most up-to-date content, please consult Writing Tips Plus, which combines content from Writing Tips and The Canadian Style. And don’t forget to update your bookmarks!

Search Canada.ca
To begin your search, go to the alphabetical index below and click on the first letter of the word you are searching for.

killer

In addition to its literal meaning, the noun or modifier killer informally indicates something very good or very bad, or something impressive or tough. In formal writing, avoid this use.

  • Software developers are searching for the "killer app"— the application that will eliminate the competition.
  • Even with 24 gears on my mountain bike, that is a killer hill!
  • This math assignment is a real killer.