button it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "button it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal way to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. Example: "I was trying to concentrate on my work, but my coworker wouldn't stop chatting, so I finally told him to button it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slip it into its cover and button it up.

WikiHow

With the press of a button, it gets in touch with its inner self.

The New York Times - Tech

Then she pressed the first button, and the robot exclaimed, "Right button!" It made a motion to clap its hands.

The New Yorker

Can he button it?

The New Yorker

Gerald: "Button it, you lot.

The Guardian

Why doesn't he button it?

The New Yorker

Even I must button it.

The Guardian - Sport

The button it presses on my set reads 'snooze'snooze

The Guardian - Film

If the monkey encounters a button, it clicks on it.

MIT Technology Review

You press the button, it does the rest.

The New York Times - Style

She did that reset button; it was a joke.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "button it" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be perceived as rude or dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "button it" in formal contexts or when addressing someone in a position of authority. The phrase carries a strong sense of informality and can be disrespectful if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "button it" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing someone to stop talking. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in English, often employed as an informal command.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "button it" is an imperative, informal expression used to abruptly tell someone to be quiet. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is best reserved for casual settings due to its potential to be perceived as rude. While there are more polite alternatives like "be quiet" or "please be silent", "button it" remains a direct, if somewhat abrasive, way to request silence. Remember to consider your audience and the context before using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be quiet

A general request for silence, less abrasive than "shut up".

shut up

Direct command to stop speaking, often considered rude.

zip it

Informal way of telling someone to be quiet.

hold your tongue

A more figurative way of asking someone to refrain from speaking.

keep mum

Means to keep silent or say nothing.

pipe down

British slang for telling someone to be quiet.

fall silent

Emphasis on the act of becoming quiet.

clam up

Suggests a sudden refusal to speak.

hush

A soft, gentle command for silence.

give it a rest

Asking someone to stop talking about something, usually due to annoyance.

FAQs

What does "button it" mean?

"Button it" is an informal expression that means to be quiet or stop talking. It's often used as an abrupt or rude way to tell someone to be silent.

When is it appropriate to use "button it"?

The phrase "button it" is appropriate only in very informal settings with people you know well. It is generally not suitable for professional, academic, or formal social contexts.

What are some alternatives to "button it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be quiet", "please be silent", or "hold your tongue". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the relationship with the person you're addressing.

Is "button it" considered rude?

Yes, "button it" can be considered rude due to its abrupt and commanding tone. It's best to use more polite alternatives in most situations.