I'm terrible = I'm sorry

[keannu]

I found in a reference book that "I'm terrible = I'm sorry"
Does it make sense? I think it's nonsense.

 

[freezeframe]

I found in a reference book that "I'm terrible = I'm sorry"
Does it make sense? Not really.

I think it's nonsense.

.

 

[Raymott]

I found in a reference book that "I'm terrible = I'm sorry"
Does it make sense? I think it's nonsense.

"I'm terrible" does not mean "I'm sorry". But if you are sorry about something, it's not uncommon to say, "I'm terrible."
"I was drunk last night, and I accidentally swallowed your goldfish. I know, I'm terrible!" With the right attitude of contrition, this might pass for an apology.

 

[Dive into English]

Indeed. 'I'm terrible' doesn't necessarily mean 'I'm sorry'.

It's more the feeling of being terrible. You can use it when you're being sarcastic too!

For example:
'I couldn't be bothered to arrive on time today.....I know I'm terrible!'

This also sounds a bit snobbish.......

 

[Tdol]

In BrE, it's common to say that you are terribly sorry.

 

[freezeframe]

In BrE, it's common to say that you are terribly sorry.

Some people say that here too.