kicked around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kicked around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of discussing or considering an idea or plan informally, often in a casual or dismissive manner. Example: "We kicked around a few ideas for the new marketing campaign during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both get kicked around a lot.

The Economist

"We have been kicked around as people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Afghanistan is like a football kicked around between outsiders".

The New Yorker

The idea has been kicked around for years.

The New York Times - Health

"He's getting kicked around pretty good right now".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was kicked around by them for a long time.

The New York Times - Science

They talk about being kicked around in life.

The New York Times

"You can't get kicked around for two years and not have some anger," Collins said.

The New York Times - Sports

He was kicked around in a way that makes today's critics of Obama seem gentle.

The New Yorker

Those who never did — Nixon, Carter — get kicked around, perhaps unduly.

The New Yorker

"I have been kicked around for years, just as that statue has," Mr. Harvey said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kicked around" to describe an idea, consider the tone you want to convey. It can imply a casual discussion or a more dismissive treatment.

Common error

Avoid using "kicked around" in formal writing where a more professional term like "considered" or "evaluated" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kicked around" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It can describe either physical or emotional mistreatment, or the informal discussion of ideas, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kicked around" is a versatile verb phrase with two primary meanings: to be mistreated or to be discussed informally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's best to avoid using "kicked around" in formal writing, opting instead for more professional alternatives like "evaluated" or "considered". Its negative connotation, when referring to mistreatment, adds emotional weight to descriptions of hardship or unfair treatment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistreated

Focuses specifically on the negative aspect of being treated badly.

maltreated

Highlights severe or cruel treatment.

abused

Emphasizes physical or emotional harm.

badgered

Implies persistent harassment or annoyance.

harassed

Suggests unwanted and aggressive pressure.

discussed

Highlights the act of talking over something, which is one meaning of "kicked around".

considered

Implies a more thoughtful and careful evaluation of an idea.

evaluated

Suggests a formal assessment or judgment.

drifted

Suggests moving aimlessly or without a specific direction in life or a specific place.

meandered

Emphasizes a leisurely or winding path.

FAQs

How can I use "kicked around" in a sentence?

You can use "kicked around" to mean 'mistreated' as in, "He was "mistreated" by his peers", or to mean 'discussed' as in, "The ideas were "discussed" at length".

What is a synonym for "kicked around"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "kicked around" could include "mistreated", "discussed", or "meandered".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "kicked around"?

It is generally inappropriate to use "kicked around" in formal or academic writing. More precise and professional terms are preferred in those contexts.

Is it correct to say someone has been "kicked around" by life?

Yes, it's a common idiomatic expression that means someone has experienced many hardships or misfortunes in their life. This usage appears often, for example, in The New York Times and other reliable sources.