Phrasal verb
bust on
Definition
phrasal verb. to tease someone or make jokes about them in a playful way.
phrasal verb. To mock or tease someone, often persistently; the verb is transitive and inseparable, typically appearing in informal American contexts.
Examples
“My friends always bust on me for my terrible singing.”
“Stop busting on him about his new haircut; he's already feeling a bit self-conscious.”
“While the veterans would frequently bust on the rookies during training, it was generally understood as a form of bonding rather than genuine malice.”
Examples
simple
“My friends always bust on me for my terrible singing.”
contextual
“Stop busting on him about his new haircut; he's already feeling a bit self-conscious.”
complex
“While the veterans would frequently bust on the rookies during training, it was generally understood as a form of bonding rather than genuine malice.”
Usage
This is a very casual expression used mostly among friends in the United States.
Teaching tip
Compare this with 'pick on', which is often meaner, whereas 'bust on' is usually just playful teasing among friends.
Pitfall
They were busting on to me.
They were busting on me.
The object follows 'on' directly without an additional preposition like 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
bust + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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