balling out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "balling out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone spending money extravagantly or enjoying themselves to the fullest. Example: "After landing a big contract, he started balling out at the finest restaurants and luxury hotels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Their watchword was "balling out"; now ours is "bailing out".

Huffington Post

I was balling out too, taking hoes to the dinning hall and getting them that deep dish pizza with the chunky tomatoes on it.

Vice

I was balling out too, taking hoes to the dining hall and getting them that deep dish pizza with the chunky tomatoes on it.

Vice

Jolly ol' Duffy racked up a bill of $90,172 when he was balling out at hotels and scarfing down presumably delicious meals to the total of $1,398 in two weeks in Yellowknife, North West Territories during the 2011 election campaign and vacationing in Florida for a full week instead of working in the senate.

Vice

When Claire went back to her natural brown, she was at the peak of her powers as Ambassador Underwood, back-channelling with the Russians, balling out the Israelis, and apparently bringing about peace in the Middle East by means of an international force in the Jordan Valley.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They were balled out, ridiculed, even humiliated on the field and in the dugout following bonehead mistakes.

Huffington Post

I balled out loud in the movie when he died and jumped for joy in the next when he came back.

HuffPost

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge balled out on Canada's dime when they visited their former British colony in late September, spending an estimated grand total of £506,000 [$855,600 CAD] on their week-long trip to BC and the Yukon, according to numbers obtained by VICE News through an access to information request.

Vice

Be happy Wary the recofdsoundingost a penny, the pints that cost a pound, the credit crunch likehes for the at chain pubs that give you change froman tenner. .

Vice

The game drew closer in college basketball fashion, this was mostly due to reciprocal turnovers and so impossibly many bobbled entry passes and crazy-eyed, wholly unwarranted surges in confidence from balling-out-of-control guards and Walton offered some insights, albeit with the indignantly baffled diction of someone imitating Dr. Steve Brule.

Vice

But because every game means so much and because even a crappy game between two balling-out-of-control teams can still be a blast to watch in the final five minutes every game, even and maybe especially the very bad, has a ragged grace and urgent emotion to it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "balling out" in informal contexts to describe someone who is spending lavishly and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. For instance, "After securing that promotion, he started "balling out" on fancy cars and designer clothes."

Common error

Avoid using "balling out" in formal or professional writing. It is a slang term that may sound out of place or unprofessional in contexts such as academic papers, business reports, or formal presentations. Consider using more formal alternatives like "spending lavishly" or "living luxuriously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balling out" functions as a verb phrase, describing an action. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, typically in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "balling out" is an idiomatic expression used to describe extravagant spending or lavish enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness in informal settings. While it's acceptable in casual conversation and some media, it should be avoided in formal or professional contexts. Alternative phrases like "living large" or "splashing out" can convey similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Remember to consider your audience and the intended tone when choosing to use "balling out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

living large

Focuses on the luxurious lifestyle aspect, similar to "balling out".

splashing out

Emphasizes the act of spending a significant amount of money.

going all out

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy invested in an activity, but can also imply reckless spending.

living it up

Stresses the enjoyment and excitement derived from an experience.

breaking the bank

Highlights the potential financial strain of extravagant spending.

indulging oneself

More formal and emphasizes self-pampering.

treating oneself

Similar to 'indulging oneself' but less formal.

spending freely

Focuses on the act of spending without restraint.

living the high life

Highlights luxurious living and upper-class connotations.

going on a spree

Implies a short-term burst of extravagant spending.

FAQs

What does "balling out" mean?

The phrase "balling out" is slang that means to spend money extravagantly, often on luxury items or experiences. It implies enjoying a lavish lifestyle.

Is "balling out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "balling out" is grammatically correct in informal contexts. However, it's important to consider your audience and the tone of your writing, as it may not be appropriate for formal settings.

What are some synonyms for "balling out"?

Alternatives to "balling out" include "living large", "spending freely", or "splashing out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "balling out"?

It's appropriate to use "balling out" in informal conversations, social media posts, or creative writing where slang is acceptable. Avoid using it in formal reports, academic papers, or professional communications.