blow off
Ignore or cancel an appointment
Literally: To move something away using a current of air
In 15 Seconds
- Intentionally ignoring someone or skipping a planned event.
- Treating a person or task as if it is unimportant.
- Commonly used when someone is being flaky or dismissive.
Meaning
When you 'blow someone off', you intentionally ignore them or cancel plans at the last minute because you don't care enough to show up.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a bad date
He totally blew me off after I waited at the cafe for an hour.
He completely ignored me after I waited at the cafe for an hour.
Texting a friend about chores
I'm just going to blow off the laundry and watch a movie.
I'm just going to ignore the laundry and watch a movie.
Discussing a coworker's behavior
I can't believe she blew off the morning sync again.
I can't believe she skipped the morning meeting again.
Cultural Background
The phrase gained massive popularity in American English during the mid-20th century. It captures the casual, sometimes cold nature of social hierarchies in high schools and offices. It is closely linked to the concept of 'flaking' on plans.
The 'Steam' Trap
Don't confuse `blow off someone` with `blow off steam`. The first is rude; the second just means you're going for a run to de-stress!
The Ghosting Connection
In the US, `blowing someone off` is the precursor to 'ghosting'. It implies a level of disrespect for the other person's time.
In 15 Seconds
- Intentionally ignoring someone or skipping a planned event.
- Treating a person or task as if it is unimportant.
- Commonly used when someone is being flaky or dismissive.
What It Means
Think of a tiny piece of dust on your shoulder. You just puff a bit of air, and it's gone. That is the vibe of blow off. It means treating a person or a commitment like they don't matter. You aren't just busy. You are choosing to ignore them. It is intentional and usually a bit rude.
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb. You can put the person in the middle: I blew him off. Or you can put the thing at the end: I blew off the meeting. Use it when you want to describe someone being dismissive. It sounds active and purposeful. If you forgot your keys, you didn't blow them off. But if you ignored your boss's call to keep watching Netflix? You definitely blew him off.
When To Use It
Use it with friends when someone is being flaky. It is perfect for venting about a bad date who never texted back. You can also use it for responsibilities. Maybe you blew off the gym because you wanted pizza instead. It works best in casual conversations where you are being honest about your (or someone else's) lack of effort.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a formal apology to your CEO. Saying "Sorry I blew off the presentation" makes it sound like you didn't care. That is a quick way to get fired! Also, don't use it for accidental mistakes. If your phone died and you missed a call, you didn't blow them off. That was an accident. Blow off implies you saw the notification and chose to ignore it.
Cultural Background
In modern Western culture, especially in the US, time is seen as respect. Blowing someone off is a social sin. It became very popular in 1980s teen movies to describe popular kids ignoring others. Today, it is the ultimate sign of "ghosting" before the word ghosting even existed. It reflects a culture that values directness—even if the act itself is indirect.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say brush off. That is a bit softer, like a quick dismissal. You might also hear stand someone up. That is specifically for dates where you don't show up at the restaurant. Blow off steam is a totally different idiom! That one means to relax or vent anger. Don't mix them up, or your friends will be very confused.
Usage Notes
This is a phrasal verb that is highly informal. It is best used when complaining to friends or family. Avoid using it in situations where you need to sound polite or apologetic.
The 'Steam' Trap
Don't confuse `blow off someone` with `blow off steam`. The first is rude; the second just means you're going for a run to de-stress!
The Ghosting Connection
In the US, `blowing someone off` is the precursor to 'ghosting'. It implies a level of disrespect for the other person's time.
Word Order Matters
If you use a pronoun like 'him', 'her', or 'it', you MUST put it in the middle: `I blew it off`, not `I blew off it`.
Examples
6He totally blew me off after I waited at the cafe for an hour.
He completely ignored me after I waited at the cafe for an hour.
Used here to describe being 'stood up' on a date.
I'm just going to blow off the laundry and watch a movie.
I'm just going to ignore the laundry and watch a movie.
Shows a casual dismissal of a boring task.
I can't believe she blew off the morning sync again.
I can't believe she skipped the morning meeting again.
Expresses frustration at a lack of professional responsibility.
My cat looked sad, so I had to blow off our gym session.
My cat looked sad, so I had to skip our gym session.
Uses a silly reason to justify blowing someone off.
If he tries to call again, just blow him off.
If he tries to call again, just ignore him.
Giving advice to intentionally ignore someone.
I shouldn't have blown off my homework last night.
I shouldn't have ignored my homework last night.
Reflecting on the negative consequences of skipping work.
Test Yourself
Choose the best option to describe someone skipping a meeting on purpose.
Sarah decided to ___ the meeting because she wanted to go to the beach.
`Blow off` means to skip or ignore something intentionally.
Complete the sentence to describe ignoring a person.
I can't believe you ___ me ___ for three days!
When referring to a person, you can split the phrase: `blew [person] off`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Blow Off'
Used with close friends or siblings.
I blew him off to play video games.
Common in casual office talk about tasks.
Don't blow off the email from HR.
Avoid this! It sounds disrespectful.
I blew off the client's request.
When to use 'Blow Off'
Ignoring a text
Leaving someone on 'read'.
Skipping class
Going for coffee instead of math.
Canceling a date
Last minute 'not feeling it'.
Ignoring chores
Letting the dishes pile up.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesSarah decided to ___ the meeting because she wanted to go to the beach.
`Blow off` means to skip or ignore something intentionally.
I can't believe you ___ me ___ for three days!
When referring to a person, you can split the phrase: `blew [person] off`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it usually implies a lack of respect. If you say you blew someone off, you are admitting you ignored them on purpose.
Only if you missed it on purpose. If you just forgot, say I missed it or I forgot about it instead.
Blow off usually means skipping an event or ignoring a person entirely. Brush off means dismissing an idea or a comment quickly.
No, it is too informal and sounds unprofessional. Use postpone or cancel instead.
They are similar, but ghosting usually means cutting off all communication forever. Blowing someone off might just be for one night.
The past tense is blew off. For example: He blew off the gym yesterday.
Yes, you can blow off responsibilities like homework, chores, or meetings.
It is used in both, but it is extremely common in American pop culture and daily slang.
That is a different idiom meaning to release stress or anger, like I went for a run to blow off some steam.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must say I blew it off.
Related Phrases
Brush off
To dismiss someone's ideas or presence quickly.
Stand someone up
To not show up for a planned date or meeting.
Flake out
To cancel plans at the last minute (often used for people).
Give someone the cold shoulder
To intentionally ignore someone to show you are angry.
