brassed off: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘brassed off’ mean?

The idiom "brassed off" means to be annoyed, frustrated, or fed up with a situation or person.

Idiom Explorer

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Brassed off is an idiom that is widely used in the English language. It means to be extremely annoyed, fed up, or frustrated with someone or something. The idiom has been in use since around the mid-20th century and is commonly used in British and American English.

The phrase "brassed off" comes from the musical instruments made of brass used in military and marching bands, such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas. These instruments are played by blowing air into them, creating sound vibrations. In the context of the idiom, "brassed off" metaphorically refers to the release of frustrations or annoyance through the forceful blowing of air, much like a musician blowing into their brass instrument.

I am so fed up and brassed off today.

The idiom "brassed off" is often used in informal conversations to express frustration or annoyance with a particular person, situation, or task. It adds color and emphasis to the feeling of being fed up or irritated, conveying a sense of strong emotion.

For example, one might say, "I'm cheesed off with my coworker's constant tardiness. It's really starting to affect our team's progress." In this context, the speaker is expressing their increasing frustration with their coworker's repeated lateness and the negative impact it is having on their work.

The idiom "brassed off" is closely related to other idiomatic phrases that express similar emotions, such as "browned off," "fucked off," or "p'd off." However, each phrase carries its own specific connotations and degree of intensity. "Brassed off" is often used when the level of annoyance or frustration is particularly high.

The idiom "brassed off" is a commonly used expression in the English language to convey a strong sense of frustration or annoyance. Its origin can be traced back to the musical instruments made of brass used in military and marching bands. The idiom is widely understood and used in both British and American English, adding color and emphasis to the speaker's feelings of discontent. Its vivid imagery and figurative meaning continue to make it a popular choice when expressing a strong sense of frustration or dissatisfaction.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "brassed off" can be used in a sentence are:

  1. John is really brassed off with his job because he hasn't received a promotion in years.
  2. She became brassed off when her flight got delayed for the third time.
  3. The students were brassed off with their teacher for giving them so much homework over the weekend.

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