brush-off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly slang.
Quick answer
What does “brush-off” mean?
a blunt or dismissive rejection of someone or their advances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a blunt or dismissive rejection of someone or their advances.
A deliberate act of ignoring, snubbing, or ending contact with someone in an unceremonious way, often implying a lack of respect or consideration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The hyphenated noun form 'brush-off' is standard in both. The verb phrase 'to brush someone off' is also identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of dismissiveness and rudeness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both British and American informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “brush-off” in a Sentence
V + NP + the brush-off (give someone the brush-off)V + the brush-off (get/receive the brush-off)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brush-off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to apologise, but she just brushed him off.
American English
- The CEO brushed off the reporter's question about the scandal.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"After months of follow-up, the potential client gave us the brush-off with a one-line email."
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; more likely in sociolinguistic or narrative contexts describing social interactions.
Everyday
"I tried to chat with him at the party, but I just got the brush-off."
Technical
Not used in technical fields with specific jargon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brush-off”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brush-off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brush-off”
- Using it as a verb without 'the' (incorrect: 'He brushed-off my suggestion' vs. correct: 'He gave my suggestion the brush-off' / 'He brushed my suggestion off'). Confusing 'brush-off' (rejection) with 'brush-up' (review of skills).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun form is hyphenated: 'brush-off'. The verb form is two words: 'to brush someone off'.
It is informal. In formal contexts, use synonyms like 'rejection', 'rebuff', or 'dismissal'.
'Brush-off' is more active and deliberate; it implies a conscious act of dismissal. 'Ignore' can be more passive – simply not paying attention.
Yes, it carries a negative connotation for the person receiving it, suggesting rudeness or lack of courtesy from the person giving it.
a blunt or dismissive rejection of someone or their advances.
Brush-off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrʌʃ ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrʌʃ ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give someone the brush-off”
- “Get the brush-off”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of literally brushing dirt OFF your shoulder – it's a quick, physical gesture of dismissal. The 'brush-off' is the social equivalent.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS PHYSICAL CONTACT (brushing away an unwanted object).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'to get the brush-off' typically imply?