Phrasal verb
piss off
Definition
phrasal verb. to make someone very angry or annoyed. You can also use it as a rude way to tell someone to leave.
phrasal verb. To annoy or irritate someone intensely; the transitive form is often separable. It also serves as a dismissive imperative meaning 'go away', which is typically intransitive.
Examples
“It really pisses me off when people cut in line.”
“He was being so aggressive that I finally told him to piss off and walked away.”
“The administration's refusal to address the safety concerns has started to piss off the local residents.”
Examples
simple
“It really pisses me off when people cut in line.”
contextual
“He was being so aggressive that I finally told him to piss off and walked away.”
complex
“The administration's refusal to address the safety concerns has started to piss off the local residents.”
Usage
This phrase is vulgar and can be offensive, so avoid using it in professional or formal settings.
Teaching tip
Explain that while 'pissed' means 'drunk' in British English, 'pissed off' universally means 'annoyed' across major dialects.
Pitfall
It pisses off me.
It pisses me off.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
piss + (object) + off
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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