What it means
A handy intensifier meaning very or really, usually stuck right in front of an adjective or noun: right annoying, right bargain, right state, right laugh. It’s common all over the UK, but it sounds especially at home up North and in the Midlands. Depending on your tone, it can be warm praise or pure, eye rolling disgust.
Usage examples
"Said I’d have one pint, ended up at the chippy at 3am. Came home a right mess, but it was a right laugh."
"She turned up to the wedding in trainers and a leather jacket, looked right confident about it too, and ended up dancing more than anyone in heels."
"By the third pint the lads were having a right go at the karaoke, full Bohemian Rhapsody, and the landlord just stood there grinning behind the bar."
"That takeaway was right grim, mate. Chips were cold and the curry sauce looked defeated."
"He's a right legend for fixing my bike at midnight and refusing even a tenner for it."
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Where it comes from
This use of right is old, proper old. English has used right as an adverb meaning very, exactly, or completely since Middle English, and you can spot it in early written stuff including Chaucer. What stayed lively in everyday speech is the punchy intensifier, especially in Northern and Midland chat.
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