Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Blow Off

What does it mean?

Blow off has two informal meanings:

1) To skip, ignore, or avoid a commitment or person.

2) (Humorous) To release gas from the body.

Is it positive or negative?

Meaning 1 is negative — rude or irresponsible. Meaning 2 is neutral and humorous.

When do you use it?

Use meaning 1 to complain about unreliability. Use meaning 2 in casual, joking conversations.

Examples

Example 1: “He blew us off to watch the football instead.”

Example 2: “I had to leave the room — I thought I was going to blow off.”

Question for you

Has anyone ever blown you off before?

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