buzz off: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘buzz off’ mean?

The idiom "buzz off" is used to tell someone to go away or leave you alone in an impolite way.

Idiom Explorer

Origin

"bug off" is another idiomatic expression that is related to the phrase "buzz off." It has a similar meaning and is used in a similar context. The term "bug" refers to insects that can be annoying or bothersome. When the phrase "bug off" is used, it implies a sense of annoyance or impatience towards the person being addressed. It is a less rude or dismissive way of telling someone to leave or go away, but still conveys the same message.

That car is a total buzz kill.

In addition to "bug off," there is also the idiom "bugger off." This expression is slightly more informal and can be considered slightly rude or offensive. It carries a similar meaning to "buzz off" and "bug off," conveying a sense of irritation or impatience towards the person being addressed. Like the other two idioms, "bugger off" is often used in casual conversations to assert boundaries or dismiss someone.

Lastly, we have the idiom "bog off." This expression is commonly used in British English and has a similar meaning to "buzz off," "bug off," and "bugger off." It is an informal way of telling someone to leave or go away, often used in a slightly rude or dismissive manner. While "bog off" may not be as widely recognized as the other idioms, it is still a part of everyday conversations in certain English-speaking communities.

The idiomatic phrase "buzz off" is commonly used in English-speaking cultures to tell someone to leave or go away. It is an informal expression that conveys a sense of irritation or impatience towards the person being addressed. Similar idioms such as "bug off," "bugger off," and "bog off" carry a similar meaning and are also used in casual conversations. These idioms provide a clear and direct way of asserting boundaries or dismissing someone, showcasing the power and versatility of idiomatic expressions in everyday language.

Example usage

Examples:

  • When the kids kept bothering her, she finally told them to buzz off.
  • The salesman wouldn't leave the house, so I had to ask him to buzz off.
  • I was trying to study in the library, but the noisy group of friends wouldn't buzz off.

Analysis:

  • The idiom "buzz off" is an informal way of telling someone to go away or leave.
  • It is often used in situations where someone is bothering or annoying you.
  • The phrase "buzz off" is considered a more polite and less offensive way of telling someone to leave compared to other phrases like "get lost" or "go away".
  • It can be used both in a casual conversation among friends or in a more direct and confrontational manner.
  • The phrase "buzz off" is usually used in imperative sentences, where the speaker is giving a direct command to someone to leave.
  • The idiom derives from the buzzing sound made by insects, particularly bees, when they are flying away.
  • The use of "buzz off" can convey a sense of annoyance or frustration from the speaker towards the person being told to leave.

More "Departure" idioms