bore off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bore off" is not standard English and is considered informal or slang.
It is typically used in British English as a dismissive way to tell someone to go away or stop talking, often in a rude manner. Example: "I was trying to enjoy my meal, but he wouldn't stop talking about his problems, so I finally told him to bore off."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Or maybe they do, but you're too bored to really take it in because, you know, new parents, bore off.

Vice

Oh bore off.

The Guardian

It's just like - bore off.

The Guardian - Sport

He bore off the first of his checkers, and Stolarsky threw up his hands in disgust.

The New Yorker

A Mrs Mary Speake bore off the prize - woman's much loved herb.' Other highlights of the early games included a blindfold wheelbarrow race, quoits, and a 'jingling' match (although exactly what jingling was is something of a mystery).

Independent

 Liv (@livplunkettx) Ellie Goulding can bore off, want to see Disclosure 😈🎵🎶🎵 #Glastonbury June 29, 2014 And, er, this... Mof Giménez (@mofgimmers) SHOUT OUT to the girl watching Disclosure at #Glastonbury sat on someone's shoulders doing poppers in front of everyone watching BBC3.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Casualties are borne off the field of battle.

The New Yorker

He tells me that his boss planted a taxidermy moose and bear off in the distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

He films the entire play as a flashback, starting the movie with his own face in closeup: Othello, dead and being borne off for burial.

The New Yorker

Also, pieces need not be borne off by exact number; a piece may be taken from the space that is next highest to the number thrown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are nearly two inches long and half an inch wide, with waved inner edges to the wings, like green moths ready to bear off their seeds.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context before using "bore off", as it can be perceived as rude or dismissive. It's best suited for informal settings among people who understand the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "bore off" in professional emails, academic papers, or formal presentations. Its informal and potentially impolite nature is inappropriate for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bore off" functions primarily as an imperative, directly telling someone to go away or stop doing something. Ludwig examples show it used to dismiss unwanted attention or conversation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bore off" is an informal, British English imperative used to dismiss someone or tell them to go away. Ludwig AI suggests that it is commonly found in News & Media sources but should be used with caution due to its potentially rude connotation. Consider the context and audience before using this phrase, as it's best suited for casual settings. Ludwig notes that alternatives like "go away" or "buzz off" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Keep in mind that using it in formal communication could be perceived negatively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Buzz off

Similar level of informality and dismissal.

Go away

Direct command to leave; less nuanced than "bore off".

Get lost

Similar in rudeness, but lacks the boredom connotation.

Leave me alone

Emphasis on wanting to be undisturbed; more personal.

Take a hike

American equivalent of 'get lost'.

Stop bothering me

Focuses on ceasing an action rather than leaving.

Get out

Direct command to exit, potentially more aggressive.

Pack it in

British slang, similar to 'give it a rest' but stronger.

Give it a rest

Implies someone is being annoying or repetitive.

Shut up

Focuses on ceasing speech; more abrupt and less polite.

FAQs

What does "bore off" mean?

"Bore off" is a British slang expression that means to go away or stop bothering someone. It's often used in a dismissive or rude way.

When is it appropriate to use "bore off"?

It's appropriate to use "bore off" in informal settings with people you know well and who understand your sense of humor. Avoid using it in formal or professional situations.

What can I say instead of "bore off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go away", "leave me alone", or "buzz off".

Is "bore off" considered rude?

Yes, "bore off" can be considered rude, especially if used with someone you don't know well or in a formal situation. It's a dismissive and potentially offensive expression.