chuck off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (colloquial/idiomatic)Informal, colloquial; can be considered impolite or vulgar depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “chuck off” mean?
To rudely tell someone to go away or leave.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To rudely tell someone to go away or leave; to dismiss or reject someone abruptly.
Used to express strong annoyance or impatience with someone, often implying the speaker has had enough. Can also mean to shed or remove something quickly (e.g., to chuck off a coat).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British and Commonwealth English. In American English, 'piss off' or 'buzz off' are more frequent equivalents for the 'go away' meaning.
Connotations
In the UK, it can be playful among friends or seriously rude. In the US, it might sound slightly British or dated.
Frequency
Infrequent in formal American writing or speech.
Grammar
How to Use “chuck off” in a Sentence
[Subject] chuck [Object] off[Subject] chuck offChuck off!Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chuck off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He told the door-to-door salesman to chuck off.
- Chuck off, you lot! We're closed.
American English
- She just wanted her little brother to chuck off for a while.
- He chucked off his jacket after coming inside.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in extreme, informal contexts (e.g., telling a persistent scam caller to leave).
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used among friends or family in moments of irritation. "Oh, chuck off, I'm trying to concentrate!"
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chuck off”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'chuck out' (to throw away/evict).
- Overusing with superiors or strangers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a classic swear word but is considered rude and impolite. Its severity is less than 'fuck off' but stronger than 'go away'.
Yes, in a very informal sense. 'He chucked off his hat' means he quickly took it off. This is less common than the 'go away' meaning.
'Chuck off' usually means to tell a person to leave. 'Chuck out' means to throw an object in the trash or, in British English, to eject a person from a place (similar to 'throw out').
It depends on the tone. Among friends, it might be playful. Otherwise, it's a clear signal to leave. A neutral response is to simply walk away or say 'Alright, fine.' Arguing usually escalates the situation.
To rudely tell someone to go away or leave.
Chuck off is usually informal, colloquial; can be considered impolite or vulgar depending on context. in register.
Chuck off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌk ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌk ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chuck it in the bin and chuck off home.”
- “Tell him to chuck off if he's bothering you.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person named Chuck being thrown off a property for being annoying. 'Chuck' him 'off' the premises.
Conceptual Metaphor
Dismissal is physical removal (throwing away).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is 'chuck off' LEAST appropriate?