Signification
A rude way to tell someone to go away.
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'Get lost!' is a classic 'tough' dismissal. It's often seen as less offensive than swear words but still very firm. British speakers might use 'Get lost!' but often prefer 'Bugger off' or 'Jog on.' 'Get lost' sounds a bit more like something from an old movie to them. Direct dismissals like 'Get lost!' are extremely rare in polite Japanese society. Using the English phrase can seem very aggressive to a Japanese speaker. Australians might use 'Get lost!' but are also fond of 'Rack off!', which has a similar meaning and level of rudeness.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a smile, it's a joke. If you say it with a frown, it's a fight.
Use 'Take a hike' for kids
If you want to tell a child to go away without being too mean, 'Take a hike' is a better choice.
Signification
A rude way to tell someone to go away.
Watch your tone
If you say it with a smile, it's a joke. If you say it with a frown, it's a fight.
Use 'Take a hike' for kids
If you want to tell a child to go away without being too mean, 'Take a hike' is a better choice.
Movie English
You will hear this a lot in 80s and 90s action movies. It's a great way to learn the 'tough' intonation.
The 'Disbelief' use
Only use the 'I don't believe you' meaning with very close friends, or they might think you are actually angry.
Teste-toi
Which situation is appropriate for saying 'Get lost!'?
You are at a formal dinner with your boss and he tells a boring story.
'Get lost!' is too rude for a formal dinner with a boss.
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Stop bothering me! Just ____ ____!
The correct form of the idiom is 'get lost.'
Match the tone to the meaning of 'Get lost!'
1. Angry/Loud 2. Laughing/Friendly
Tone of voice changes the meaning of this idiom completely.
Fill in the missing line.
A: I'm going to follow you home! B: ________
If someone is threatening to follow you, 'Get lost!' is a strong dismissal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to tell someone to leave
Polite
- • Please leave
- • I need space
- • Excuse me
Informal
- • Go away
- • Leave me alone
- • Beat it
Rude
- • Get lost!
- • Scram!
- • Buzz off!
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are at a formal dinner with your boss and he tells a boring story.
'Get lost!' is too rude for a formal dinner with a boss.
Stop bothering me! Just ____ ____!
The correct form of the idiom is 'get lost.'
1. Angry/Loud 2. Laughing/Friendly
Tone of voice changes the meaning of this idiom completely.
A: I'm going to follow you home! B: ________
If someone is threatening to follow you, 'Get lost!' is a strong dismissal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is not a swear word, but it is still considered rude and aggressive in many contexts.
Absolutely not. It would be considered very disrespectful and would likely get you in trouble.
'Go away' is more neutral and can be polite. 'Get lost' is always informal and usually rude.
You can't really. Instead, say 'I'm sorry, I'm busy right now' or 'Could you please give me some space?'
As a command, it is always 'Get lost.' You only use 'gets' if you are talking about someone else in the third person: 'He always gets lost.'
No. Never use this in professional writing. It is far too casual and confrontational.
It is common in both, but it has a very 'American' feel due to its frequent use in Hollywood movies.
No. 'Shut up' tells someone to stop talking. 'Get lost' tells them to leave the area.
Yes, many people say 'Get lost!' or 'Scram!' to pets when they are begging for food.
It usually means they don't believe a funny or crazy story you just told them.
It's a bit classic, but still widely understood and used today.
Swear words are stronger, but 'Get the hell out' is a more aggressive non-swear alternative.
Expressions liées
Beat it
synonymGo away quickly.
Take a hike
similarGo away.
Scram
synonymLeave immediately.
Buzz off
similarGo away (like an annoying insect).
Go fly a kite
similarGo away and do something useless.
