shove off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, potentially rude/impolite.
Quick answer
What does “shove off” mean?
A rude or forceful command to go away, leave, or depart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rude or forceful command to go away, leave, or depart.
To depart or set off, often from a place or situation, especially in a nautical context (literally pushing a boat away from a dock). Used as a phrasal verb (intransitive) and an imperative command.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'shove off' is understood but 'get lost', 'beat it', or 'take a hike' might be more frequent as rude dismissals.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is dismissive and can be confrontational. The literal nautical meaning is neutral but dated.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts. Higher relative frequency in British informal speech than in American.
Grammar
How to Use “shove off” in a Sentence
IMPERATIVE: Shove off!INTRANSITIVE: We shoved off at dawn.INTRANSITIVE + PREP PHRASE: He shoved off without a word.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shove off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I've had enough of this crowd; I'm going to shove off.
- The ferry shoved off from Dover right on schedule.
American English
- He just shoved off without even saying goodbye.
- We shoved off from the marina at first light.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare and inappropriate; would be considered highly unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal, often heated, situations among peers or to express strong annoyance.
Technical
The literal nautical meaning ('to push a boat away from shore') is technical but archaic in modern maritime usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shove off”
- Using it in formal situations.
- Using it as a polite request ('Could you please shove off?') – the politeness marker conflicts with the rude core.
- Confusing it with 'show off'.
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'shove him off' is possible but means to push him physically, not to tell him to leave).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a command to a person. The literal, nautical use ('the boat shoved off') is neutral but dated.
They are very close synonyms. 'Push off' is slightly less harsh and also has the literal nautical meaning. 'Shove off' is generally perceived as more forceful and abrupt.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal and rude for any professional context.
It's a clear signal to leave. Any verbal response would likely escalate conflict. The typical reaction is to depart or disengage.
A rude or forceful command to go away, leave, or depart.
Shove off is usually informal, potentially rude/impolite. in register.
Shove off: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌv ɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌv ɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shove off before I call the police.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone giving a small boat a strong SHOVE OFF from the dock to make it leave quickly. The meaning transfers to telling a person to leave with similar force.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A PHYSICAL JOURNEY / DISMISSAL IS PHYSICAL EJECTION. The person is conceptualized as an object (a boat) that needs to be pushed away to start a journey of departure.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'shove off' be MOST appropriate?