buzz off

USAGE SUMMARY

"buzz off" is a commonly used phrase in spoken and written English.
It is used to tell someone to go away or leave. You can use it in situations where someone is bothering or annoying you and you want them to leave. Example: "I was trying to study in the library, but a group of loud students wouldn't stop talking. I finally had to tell them to buzz off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oh, buzz off.

The New York Times

If not, buzz off.

Independent

Now buzz off.

The New York Times - Science

I buzz off that".

The Guardian

Buzz off, she says.

The New York Times

Most outsiders were told to buzz off.

The Economist

But the wasps can buzz off.

The Guardian - Travel

Because you can't plant the rice and buzz off.

Cornell University

Drop my pack off, and you can buzz off!

The New Yorker

"I'm starting to get a buzz off it".

Independent

Still, telling pals to buzz off will only alienate them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buzz off" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be considered rude or dismissive. It's best suited for informal settings or when you want to emphasize your annoyance.

Common error

Avoid using "buzz off" in professional emails, academic papers, or formal presentations. Opt for more polite alternatives like "please leave" or "excuse me" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buzz off" functions as an imperative, directly commanding someone to leave or go away. It's a forceful way of expressing a desire for someone to stop bothering you. As Ludwig demonstrates, it can appear in various news and media outlets.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buzz off" is an informal, imperative phrase used to tell someone to go away, often when annoyed. Ludwig highlights its common use in news and media, but it's generally considered rude and should be used cautiously, primarily in informal settings. Alternatives such as "go away" or "leave me alone" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Keep in mind, as Ludwig AI points out, that the phrase is grammatically correct, but its impact depends heavily on the situation and the relationship with the person you are addressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shove off

Similar in tone and meaning to "buzz off", but with a slightly different idiom.

take a hike

Another slang term with a similar level of rudeness.

go away

A more neutral and less confrontational way to ask someone to leave.

scram

Informal and direct command to leave quickly.

get lost

A slightly more aggressive and dismissive way to tell someone to leave.

beat it

An older, more slangy way of telling someone to leave immediately.

leave me alone

Emphasizes the speaker's desire for solitude and to be undisturbed.

go bother someone else

Directs the unwanted attention to another party.

I need you to leave

A more polite and direct way to request someone's departure.

please excuse me

A formal and polite way of dismissing someone's presence, especially in formal settings.

FAQs

What does "buzz off" mean?

"Buzz off" is an impolite way of telling someone to go away or leave you alone. It's often used when someone is being annoying or intrusive.

When is it appropriate to use "buzz off"?

It's generally appropriate to use "buzz off" only in informal settings with people you know well, and when you want to express strong annoyance. Be cautious, as it can be considered rude.

What are some alternatives to "buzz off"?

Depending on the situation, you can use alternatives like "go away", "leave me alone", or "please give me some space". The level of formality should match the context.

Is "buzz off" considered rude?

Yes, "buzz off" is generally considered a rude and dismissive phrase. Use it with caution and be aware of the potential impact on your relationship with the person you're addressing.