# hate on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hate-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to criticize someone or something a lot, often in a way that seems unfair or mean. You use this when people are being negative about someone's success or style.

For teachers: to express intense dislike or criticism toward a person or entity, often without a constructive purpose; frequently used in social media contexts to describe targeted negativity.

## Examples

- Why are you hating on her new shoes?
- People started hating on the actor after he won the award, claiming he didn't deserve it.
- The influencer decided to take a break from social media because strangers were constantly hating on her lifestyle choices and parenting style.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Stop to hate on me." but "Stop hating on me." — the verb 'stop' is followed by the gerund '-ing' form when ending an action.

## Usage notes

- transitive phrasal verb that requires a direct object — the person or thing being criticized.
- Teaching tip: this is a modern, informal expression common in digital culture; contrast it with 'criticize' (formal) or 'dislike' (neutral) to show the difference in social weight.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.