Give somebody/get a thick ear

phrase

To slap or hit someone on the side of their head.

If you don't stop teasing your brother, I'll give you a thick ear.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get a thick ear" - To slap or hit someone on the side of their head.

Often appears as...

  • give someone a thick ear
  • get a thick ear

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

phrase

To slap or hit someone on the side of their head.

If you don't stop teasing your brother, I'll give you a thick ear.
Visual representation of "give somebody/get a thick ear" - To slap or hit someone on the side of their head.

Often appears as...

  • give someone a thick ear
  • get a thick ear

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "give somebody/get a thick ear"
LampPro Tip 1/3

British Colloquial

It's an informal British expression, not usually used in formal situations or written English.

Illustration for British Colloquial
He's so annoying, he's asking for a thick ear.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase can be used metaphorically, meaning no actual hitting will occur.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Keep up that racket, and you'll get a thick ear!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Using this phrase implies you are upset or annoyed with someone's behavior.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
I told him another joke like that, and I'll give him a thick ear.
LampPro Tip 1/3

British Colloquial

It's an informal British expression, not usually used in formal situations or written English.

Illustration for British Colloquial
He's so annoying, he's asking for a thick ear.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase can be used metaphorically, meaning no actual hitting will occur.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Keep up that racket, and you'll get a thick ear!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Using this phrase implies you are upset or annoyed with someone's behavior.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
I told him another joke like that, and I'll give him a thick ear.
LampPro Tip 1/3

British Colloquial

It's an informal British expression, not usually used in formal situations or written English.

Illustration for British Colloquial
He's so annoying, he's asking for a thick ear.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase can be used metaphorically, meaning no actual hitting will occur.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Keep up that racket, and you'll get a thick ear!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Confrontational Tone

Using this phrase implies you are upset or annoyed with someone's behavior.

Illustration for Confrontational Tone
I told him another joke like that, and I'll give him a thick ear.
Visual representation of the word "Give somebody/get a thick ear"

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