English Reference

Phrasal verb

fuck off

Definition

phrasal verb. A very rude way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone. You use this when you are very angry and want someone to stop bothering you.

phrasal verb. An extremely vulgar intransitive phrasal verb used as a command for someone to depart. It functions as a forceful dismissal or an expression of intense irritation.

Examples

“He tells the rude stranger to fuck off.”

“After being harassed for several minutes at the bar, she finally told the man to fuck off and walked away.”

“The script's reliance on the phrase 'fuck off' highlights the raw, unrefined nature of the characters' dialogue in this gritty urban drama.”

Examples

simple

“He tells the rude stranger to fuck off.”

contextual

“After being harassed for several minutes at the bar, she finally told the man to fuck off and walked away.”

complex

“The script's reliance on the phrase 'fuck off' highlights the raw, unrefined nature of the characters' dialogue in this gritty urban drama.”

Usage

This is a highly offensive term that can cause serious conflict if used in the wrong situation.

Teaching tip

Highlight that while common in movies, using this in real life can lead to physical confrontation or severe social consequences.

Pitfall

I told him to fuck off me.

I told him to fuck off.

The verb is intransitive in this sense and does not take a direct object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

fuck + off

Synonyms

leavego awayget lostbuzz off

Antonyms

come herestay

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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

QR code

englishreference.com/q/fuck-off
English Reference