What are the definitions of “piss off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To make someone angry or annoyed.
It really pisses me off when you talk like that.
- 2To annoy or anger someone.
‘Can I borrow £20?’ ‘Piss off!’
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “piss off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb piss off is to make someone angry or annoyed. It is often used to express frustration or irritation with someone or something.
What are the different verb forms of “piss off”?
| Root Verb | piss off |
| Third Person Singular Present | pisses off |
| Present Participle | pissing off |
| Simple Past | pissed off |
| Past Participle | pissed off |
Example
Your constant complaining is starting to piss me off.
Example
His rude behavior pisses off everyone around him.
Example
She is pissing off her friends by always being late.
Example
He pissed off his boss by not completing the project on time.
Example
I was pissed off when I found out they lied to me.
What kind of phrasal verb is “piss off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“piss off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
His constant complaining pisses me off.
Example
She pissed off her friends by always being late.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“piss off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
His constant complaining pisses me off.
Example
She pissed off her friends by always being late.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “piss off”?
Good things to know
Does “piss off” have an informal or formal tone?
Piss off is considered informal and even vulgar. It is not appropriate for use in formal settings or with people you do not know well. Instead, use more polite alternatives like 'annoy' or 'irritate' to express the same meaning.
