toss off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (core meaning), Vulgar slang (extended meaning)
Quick answer
What does “toss off” mean?
To produce or accomplish something quickly and effortlessly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To produce or accomplish something quickly and effortlessly.
A vulgar slang phrase meaning to masturbate (usually of a male).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning ('do quickly') is more recognized in BrE, though dated. The vulgar slang meaning is common in both varieties but may be perceived as slightly more British.
Connotations
In BrE, the vulgar connotation is immediate and primary. In AmE, the core meaning might be momentarily considered before the slang meaning registers, especially in formal-ish contexts.
Frequency
The slang meaning is high-frequency in informal/vulgar registers. The core meaning is low-frequency and declining.
Grammar
How to Use “toss off” in a Sentence
[Subject] toss off [Direct Object: creation][Subject] toss off [Direct Object: drink]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toss off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He managed to toss off the report in under an hour, much to everyone's surprise.
- The comedian's joke about tossing off got a huge laugh from the audience.
American English
- She can toss off a brilliant blog post before her morning coffee.
- The frat boy comment about tossing off was met with an awkward silence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid entirely due to high risk of misinterpretation.
Academic
Not used; the core meaning is too informal, the slang meaning inappropriate.
Everyday
High risk in mixed company; used only in very informal, vulgarly humorous settings among close friends aware of the intended meaning.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toss off”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toss off”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toss off”
- Using it in a professional context intending to mean 'do quickly'.
- Assuming listeners will understand the neutral meaning without context.
- Overestimating its acceptability in general conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The risk of causing offense or embarrassment is extremely high. Always use alternatives like 'dash off', 'whip up', or 'knock out'.
Not obsolete, but dated and low-frequency. It is still found in older texts and understood by many, but it is overwhelmingly overshadowed by the slang meaning in contemporary usage.
Context is everything. If the direct object is a creative work or task (letter, poem, design) and the tone is informal but not vulgar, it might be the core meaning. In most other informal spoken contexts, assume the slang meaning.
The phrase 'toss off a drink' (meaning to drink it quickly) is somewhat safer but still informal. However, due to the strong association with the vulgar meaning, it's generally safer for learners to avoid the phrase altogether.
To produce or accomplish something quickly and effortlessly.
Toss off is usually informal (core meaning), vulgar slang (extended meaning) in register.
Toss off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒs ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɔːs ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Toss Off" rhymes with "Boss Off" – imagine a boss quickly tossing off (dashing off) an email before leaving, but beware: the other meaning is the main one people will hear.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS PHYSICAL EJECTION (core meaning) / SEXUAL RELEASE IS A PHYSICAL ACTION (slang meaning).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'toss off' most likely be interpreted in its original, neutral meaning?