1910s
Still common
Definition
Excellent.
Example Sentence
"That's an ace idea."
Where "Ace" Comes From
Traces back to the playing card of the same name — the top card in most games — and later picked up added shine from World War I flying slang, where a fighter pilot with several confirmed kills was called an "ace."
Both threads point the same way: being the best at something, which is exactly what "ace" still means as everyday praise.
How Aussies Actually Use It
A simple, upbeat word for anything that's excellent — an idea, a meal, a mate's new job — used casually across all ages without much fuss.
It's short, punchy, and never feels over the top, which is probably why it's stayed in constant rotation for so long.
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