hit on: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “hit on” mean?
To attempt to initiate a romantic or sexual encounter with someone, often through flirtatious conversation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To attempt to initiate a romantic or sexual encounter with someone, often through flirtatious conversation.
To have a sudden, valuable idea or insight; to discover or think of something by chance. This meaning is less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The flirtation meaning is dominant and equally common in both varieties. The 'idea' meaning might be slightly more frequent in American English.
Connotations
In both, the flirtation sense can be neutral (mutual interest) or negative (unwanted attention), heavily dependent on context.
Frequency
Very high frequency in informal spoken English in both regions for the flirtation sense.
Grammar
How to Use “hit on” in a Sentence
[Subject] + hit on + [Object (person)][Subject] + hit on + [the idea/solution]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hit on” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent the whole evening trying to hit on my mate.
- I think that bloke at the pub is hitting on you.
American English
- Some guy kept hitting on her at the coffee shop.
- She finally hit on a solution to the scheduling problem.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare and inappropriate; could be considered sexual harassment.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Very common in social contexts (bars, parties, dating).
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hit on”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hit on”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing 'He hit on me' (flirted) with 'He hit me' (struck).
- Using it without an object: 'He was hitting on.' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it depends on context and mutual interest. It can describe welcome flirtation ('I was happy he hit on me'), but often implies the advances are unwelcome or excessive.
Yes, but this is less common. It is used as 'hit on an idea/solution/answer' and means to think of it suddenly or by chance.
'Hit on' is more direct, active, and often has a goal (initiating a relationship/encounter). 'Flirt with' can be more subtle, playful, and less goal-oriented. 'Hit on' is also more informal.
No, there is no standard noun form. You would say 'He made a pass at me' or 'I got a lot of unwanted attention'.
To attempt to initiate a romantic or sexual encounter with someone, often through flirtatious conversation.
Hit on is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Hit on: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪt ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get hit on”
- “be hitting on all cylinders (different idiom, unrelated meaning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'hitting' the target (a person) with their flirtatious lines 'on' purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
ROMANTIC PURSUIT IS TARGET PRACTICE / SUDDEN INSIGHT IS A PHYSICAL IMPACT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hit on' LEAST appropriate?