Disgusting abomination?

Reader question:

Please explain “abomination”, as in this headline (AP, June 3, 2025): Musk calls Trump’s big tax break bill a ‘disgusting abomination.’

My comments:

Elon Musk, that is, the richest man on earth, ripping into US President Donald Trump’s so-called tax break bill, which the latter touted as a “big, beautiful bill”.

Tax break, by the way, means tax cuts for the rich, giving them breaks which, frankly, they can afford not to have.

This is like Robin Hood in reverse, robbing the poor and giving the loot to the rich.

That’s disgusting, all right.

Musk, however, went further, calling it a “disgusting abomination”, something abhorrent, disgustingly so.

And, in fact, morally wrong.

Abomination, you see, finds its roots in Latin, formed from ab- (away from) + ōmin- (from omen).

Literally, it means away from good omen.

If you detect the religious connotation in “omen”, you’re, of course, right. “Abomination” is a word highly used in religious circles. As a matter of fact, “abomination” appears many times in the Christian Bible.

One example from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible:

Deuteronomy 22:5

“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.

Another example:

Proverbs 12:22:

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

See? Abominations are considered ungodly and morally wrong.

So, if Elon Musk, of all people, calls Trumps “big, beautiful bill” a “disgusting abomination”, you know it is bad.

Like, really bad.

All right, let’s read a few media examples to examine how “abomination” is used in various situations:

1. Are you familiar with the term “abomination”? Many people think that it only refers to something that is unpleasant or disliked. However, the definition goes beyond its literal meaning, and it has significant cultural, historical, ethical, psychological, and philosophical implications. This blog post will delve deeper into the concept of abominations. After reading this post, you will have a greater understanding of what an abomination is and its significance in our lives.

Abominations have been mentioned time and again in various religious scriptures, writings, and literature. While the term may come off as bleak and ominous, its meaning is quite simple. An abomination refers to something that is considered deeply immoral or unacceptable.

Abominations can be found in various fields, including but not limited to religion, culture, literature, and ethics. Here are some examples of what can be classified as abominations:

In the Bible, eating shellfish, wearing mixed fabrics, and adultery are all considered abominations.

Cultures around the world have historically viewed certain acts and beliefs as abominable. For example, in many societies, incest is considered an abomination.

In literature, monstrosities such as Frankenstein’s monster or Lovecraft’s Cthulhu can be seen as abominations due to their unnatural existence and disturbing characteristics.

In ethics, perpetrating acts of extreme violence or harm towards others, particularly the innocent and vulnerable, can be considered as abominable.

The idea of abominations has been present in various civilizations for thousands of years. In ancient times, many cultures believed in the concept of taboo, which includes a set of actions and beliefs that are prohibited due to their perceived evil or immoral nature. Taboos vary depending on the culture, but they usually involve aspects such as incest, cannibalism, and certain practices and rituals.

- The Dark Shades of Abominations: A Deeper Understanding, TheWitness.org, July 22, 2024.

2. Harry Litman, a former U.S. attorney and deputy assistant attorney general, said President Trump’s idea to send U.S. prisoners to El Salvador is an “abomination.”

Litman joined CNN News Central with Boris Sanchez on Monday after Trump met with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele at the White House to discuss deportations.

He was sharply critical of the two leaders who have no plans to return a wrongfully deported Maryland man and the suggestion that U.S. prisoners could head to the Latin American mega-prison where Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held.

Last week, the Supreme Court ruled the U.S. must “facilitate” the return of Abrego Garcia, but Trump and Bukele suggested they don’t have the power to do so. The order offered the administration some wiggle room, as it was unclear if or when the man would return home.

During the Monday meeting, administration officials mischaracterized the substance of the court’s order, which the former Justice Department official called “monstrous.”

“The attempt by the president to just say, ‘Well, I say otherwise,’ you can’t say otherwise,” Litman said. “That’s the whole point.”

Litman emphasized that it’s a violation of Abrego Garcia’s due process rights and it could cost him his life due to gang violence in the country.

The discussion came as Trump and Bukele have strengthened their relationship following a $6 million deportation deal. Both leaders have avoided responsibility for Abrego Garcia’s deportation and been at the center of a legal battle to return the Maryland man.

Sanchez also asked Litman about Trump’s recent claim that he would “love” to send violent U.S. prisoners to El Salvador, but would need to check if it is legal first.

“Yes, there are terrible criminals here, but that doesn’t mean you can torture them,” Litman replied, invoking the Eight Amendment, which prohibits excessive punishments.

“It’s pernicious. This is really … even in this case, an abomination of a day with both those suggestions,” Litman said of Abrego Garcia’s deportation and Trump’s suggestion. “I know you can hear it from my tone, but it is way, way beyond the pale, and just contempt for the Constitution and rule of law.”

- Former prosecutor on Trump’s idea to send US prisoners to El Salvador: ‘Abomination’, TheHill.com, April 15, 2025.

3. CUSTOMERS at Burger King have had a mixed response to a brand-new springtime treat.

The fast food giant launched the limited-time option in April at its over 6,600 restaurants nationwide.

Since then, diners have been able to get the Frozen Strawberry & Nerds Candy drink.

Burger King highlighted it as having an “icy blast of strawberry flavor to cool off in the hot weather, topped with crunchy and colorful Nerds”, per a news release.

It arrived on menus in honor of National Strawberry Month, which is notably always in May.

The Frozen Strawberry & Nerds Candy frozen drink can also be obtained for free as part of a special meal deal until the end of the month.

Those who make a purchase of $1 or more through the Burger King mobile application or website would qualify for the costless addition.

Except, some customers who already got the Frozen Strawberry & Nerds Candy drink from Burger King are arguing it’s not worth even having it as a free add-on.

They dubbed it an “abomination,” per MassLive.

“It’s a cup of confused ice that has the consistency of a slush-covered city sidewalk in early February.”

The customer particularly didn’t like the Nerds on top, dubbing it “sugar-gravel.”

Some others didn't feel the same, praising the sweet treat as a worthwhile introduction to the Burger King menu.

“Went to Burger King for lunch today and tried out the frozen strawberry Nerds drink (I have not tried the frozen drinks long time) it’s good,” a longtime BK fan wrote in a post on X.

- TREAT TAKEDOWN Burger King fans slam first-of-its-kind frozen treat as ‘an abomination’ – it’s a dupe of an instant Wendy’s favorite, The-Sun.com, May 26 2025.

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About the author:

Zhang Xin is Trainer at chinadaily.com.cn. He has been with China Daily since 1988, when he graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Write him at: zhangxin@chinadaily.com.cn, or raise a question for potential use in a future column.

（作者：张欣）