gimme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, colloquial, familiar, slang
Quick answer
What does “gimme” mean?
Informal, non-standard contraction of the verb phrase 'give me'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Informal, non-standard contraction of the verb phrase 'give me'.
Informally refers to something easily obtained, expected, or a foregone conclusion. In sports like golf, it denotes a putt so short it is conceded without being played.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Understood and used in both, though perception of informality is identical. The nominal use (e.g., 'a gimme') may be slightly more prevalent in AmE sports/game contexts.
Connotations
Relaxed, friendly, casual, impatient, or uneducated depending on context and listener.
Frequency
Extremely common in informal spoken contexts in both varieties. More likely to appear in written dialogue (scripts, fiction) than in BrE/AmE formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “gimme” in a Sentence
Imperative: Gimme [Noun Phrase] (e.g., Gimme the keys).Request: Can/Could you gimme [Noun Phrase]? (e.g., Can you gimme a lift?)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gimme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Gimme a ring later, will you?
- 'Gimme that!' he shouted, grabbing for the last biscuit.
American English
- Gimme a holler if you need anything.
- Just gimme the facts, ma'am.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in the most casual internal banter among close colleagues.
Academic
Not used, except possibly in sociolinguistic analysis of informal speech.
Everyday
Very common in casual speech among friends and family for requests and demands.
Technical
Not used. In sports commentary (e.g., golf), the nominal form 'gimme' is used technically.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gimme”
- Using 'gimme' in written formal communication.
- Spelling it as 'gimmie' (non-standard).
- Overusing with superiors or strangers, causing offence.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recognised informal contraction and is listed in dictionaries, but it is not appropriate for formal Standard English.
Only in very informal contexts like text messages, song lyrics, or written dialogue to represent casual speech.
'Give me' is the standard, neutral form. 'Gimme' is its informal, fast-speech counterpart, carrying connotations of familiarity, urgency, or directness.
It is pronounced /ˈɡɪmi/, with two syllables, sounding like 'gim-ee'. The 'v' sound from 'give' is dropped.
Informal, non-standard contraction of the verb phrase 'give me'.
Gimme is usually informal, colloquial, familiar, slang in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gimme a break (expression of frustration or disbelief)”
- “gimme five (a request for a high-five)”
- “It's a gimme (something very easy or assured)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a child urgently reaching out and saying 'GIMME!' – the word sounds like its meaning: quick and direct.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS PHYSICAL EXERTION (shortening words reduces effort).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'gimme' be MOST appropriate?