That camera cost me a bomb

[supermarioutd]

Hello to all,

Let's say you buy a camera that is very expensive. Is it natural and common to say this? :

That camera cost me a bomb but it has been really worth it.

I remember I once read somewhere that this expression of cost a bomb is a bit old-fashioned. Is it? Would it be strange to use it?

 

[Cenzontle]

I've never heard it, but I can tell from the context that it means it cost a lot.
Slang often comes and goes out of style quickly.

 

[Andygc]

It wouldn't be strange to me in BE, but maybe I'm a bit old fashioned.

 

[supermarioutd]

I've never heard it, but I can tell from the context that it means it cost a lot.
Slang often comes and goes out of style quickly.

Thanks.

Do you think it's strange? Does it sound strange to you?

 

[JulianStuart]

It wouldn't be strange to me in BE, but maybe I'm a bit old fashioned.

Count me in the same boat, and in the company of the Collins (BE) dictionary entry

• BRIT slang a large sum of money (esp in the phrase make a bomb)

Apparently (as expected) much more common in BE than AE (the AE frequency may well include many instances of mis-classification of the source), too)

 

[supermarioutd]

OKAY. Thanks.

Which one is correct? :

That camera cost me a bomb.

That camera cost a bomb.

 

[JulianStuart]

OKAY. Thanks.

Which one is correct? :

That camera cost me a bomb.

That camera cost a bomb.

Would you be willing to specify who bought the camera as part of the context? They are both "correct" but don't mean the same thing.

 

[supermarioutd]

Would you be willing to specify who bought the camera as part of the context? They are both "correct" but don't mean the same thing.

I bought the camera myself.

 

[JulianStuart]

I bought the camera myself.

Then they are both acceptable, with the first one containing information on the cost and who bought the camera, and the second one only that it cost a lot.

 

[supermarioutd]

And can this expression be used in other situations?

What do you say about these other examples of this idiom?

Eating at that restaurant costs a bomb.

That dinner last night cost a bomb

These days holding a wedding ceremony costs a bomb

 

[JulianStuart]

And can this expression be used in other situations?

What do you say about these other examples of this idiom?

Eating at that restaurant costs a bomb.

That dinner last night cost a bomb

These days holding a wedding ceremony costs a bomb

Those all use the expression correctly, but, as noted, it is not common in AE and may be a little old-fashioned in BE these days (as slang usage frequently is short-lived). I have no idea how widely it is still used in the UK, but it doesn't sound "strange" to my ears

 

[S1m0n]

"Cost a bomb" implies a greater expense than a single meal, to me. It's an expression you'd use for a significant investment. I wouldn't use it for a restaurant meal, no matter how expensive. A very elaborate wedding would qualify. Also, it should be said that this is a boast. The speaker wants everyone to know how much he spent, and that he could afford it.
Finally, modern reality is that if you're non-white, you might need to be careful about where you say the word 'bomb'. In some places (airports) you can even get arrested for using the word.

 

[JulianStuart]

"Cost a bomb" implies a greater expense than a single meal, to me. It's an expression you'd use for a significant investment. I wouldn't use it for a restaurant meal, no matter how expensive. A very elaborate wedding would qualify. Also, it should be said that this is a boast. The speaker wants everyone to know how much he spent, and that he could afford it.
Finally, modern reality is that if you're non-white, you might need to be careful about where you say the word 'bomb'. In some places (airports) you can even get arrested for using the word.

In the appropriate context it simply means a large, nay exorbitant, sum of money and a meal costing £5,000 or ¥500,000 (including wine and wagyu at $500 a pop, just for the beef) for two would definitely qualify
In the OP, I'd agree with you .

Also, it should be said that this is a boast. The speaker wants everyone to know how much he spent, and that he could afford it.

In other contexts, it might be used to imply someone wasted their money on something - the common thread being the notion of "a large amount of money"
And for anyone in an airport, your advice is good

 

[supermarioutd]

Finally, modern reality is that if you're non-white, you might need to be careful about where you say the word 'bomb'. In some places (airports) you can even get arrested for using the word.