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nix

C1
UK/nɪks/US/nɪks/

informal, slang

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Definition

Meaning

to cancel, reject, or refuse something; also used as 'nothing' or 'none'.

To put a stop to or veto a plan, idea, or action; to say no decisively.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily used as a verb (to reject) or pronoun (nothing). Originates from German 'nichts' (nothing). Often conveys a blunt or decisive refusal.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Understood in both varieties, but slightly more common in American English. In British English, it may be perceived as an Americanism.

Connotations

Carries a casual, somewhat abrupt or emphatic tone in both varieties.

Frequency

Low-to-medium frequency in AmE; low frequency in BrE, where alternatives like 'scrap', 'veto', or 'call off' are more common.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
to nix the ideato nix the planto nix the project
medium
to nix the dealto nix the proposalmanagement nixed it
weak
to nix the rumoursto nix the suggestionto nix the order

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Subject] nixes [Object][Subject] is nixedNix on [something] (informal prohibition)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

scrapsquashkill

Neutral

cancelrejectveto

Weak

declinerefusedisallow

Vocabulary

Antonyms

approveauthorizegreen-lightsanction

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “nix on that”
  • “to put the nix on something”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Informal use in meetings: 'The boss nixed the merger.'

Academic

Rare; found in informal academic discourse regarding rejected proposals.

Everyday

Casual conversation about plans: 'We had to nix the picnic because of the rain.'

Technical

Not typical in technical registers.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The council nixed the development plans after local protests.
  • Let's nix that idea for now; it's too expensive.

American English

  • The studio nixed the sequel due to poor box office returns.
  • I had to nix the road trip because my car broke down.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B1
  • My parents nixed our plan to go to the concert.
B2
  • The committee nixed the proposal, citing budgetary constraints.
  • I asked for a day off, but my manager nixed it immediately.
C1
  • The publisher nixed the controversial chapter, fearing a backlash.
  • After the security breach, the IT department nixed all remote access temporarily.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'NIX' sounds like 'NICKS' a plan—making small cuts until it's cancelled.

Conceptual Metaphor

REJECTION IS ERASURE / CANCELLATION IS A STOP SIGN.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Not related to Russian 'никс' or 'никто'.
  • Do not confuse with 'nothing' in neutral registers; 'nix' is informal.
  • As a verb, it's more abrupt than просто 'отказаться'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it in formal writing.
  • Incorrect part of speech: 'He gave a nix' (awkward as a noun).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The board decided to the expansion plans after reviewing the risks.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'nix' LEAST appropriate?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is informal/slang. Avoid in formal writing.

Rarely in modern use. It's primarily a verb or pronoun (meaning 'nothing').

From German 'nichts' (nothing), adopted into English slang in the 19th century.

Yes, but it's less common and sometimes perceived as an Americanism.