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  What it means

  Literally “to the power of” (as in mathematics: 2 do potęgi 3 = 2³). As an idiom, it is used colloquially to mean something is extreme, intensified, or taken to the next level. Younger Poles in particular use it to emphasize how dramatically something has changed or increased — like saying “times ten” or “on steroids” in English slang.

  Vocabulary

  • do — to, up to (preposition governing genitive)
  • potęgi — power, exponent (genitive singular of 'potęga')
  • potęga — power, strength; mathematical exponent

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'do' governs the genitive case, so 'potęga' becomes 'potęgi.' In mathematical usage, 'do potęgi' is followed by a number (e.g., 'do potęgi drugiej' = squared). In the colloquial idiomatic sense, no number follows — the phrase stands alone as an intensifier. It is typically placed after the noun or adjective it modifies.

  Cultural context

  This is an informal, modern expression popular especially among younger Poles and online communities. It conveys hyperbolic emphasis and is often used in informal writing, memes, and spoken language. For example: 'To był chaos do potęgi' (It was chaos times ten). There is no direct English idiom equivalent, but 'to the nth degree' comes closest.

  Intermediate

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