Go native
verb
To abandon or reject one's own cultural or societal norms and adopt those of a different society or culture.
After moving to the Amazon, he decided to go native and live like the local tribes.
Often appears as...
- decide to go native
- seem to go native
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
verb
To return to one's natural or original state.
After years of being in captivity, the parrot was allowed to go native and return to its original state in the wild.
Often appears as...
- allow to go native
- let go native
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
verb
To abandon or reject one's own cultural or societal norms and adopt those of a different society or culture.
After moving to the Amazon, he decided to go native and live like the local tribes.
Often appears as...
- decide to go native
- seem to go native
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
verb
To return to one's natural or original state.
After years of being in captivity, the parrot was allowed to go native and return to its original state in the wild.
Often appears as...
- allow to go native
- let go native
Usage tips
Neutral
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Shift
The phrase can imply a deep appreciation for, or complete immersion in, a new culture.
After years in Japan, she went native, celebrating all local festivals.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negative
'Go native' sometimes has a negative tone, suggesting abandonment of one's traditions.
Some villagers felt he went native, neglecting his own customs.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Location
It can also be used for adapting to groups or communities, not just geographical places.
Joining the artists, he went native, adopting their lifestyle and values.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Shift
The phrase can imply a deep appreciation for, or complete immersion in, a new culture.
After years in Japan, she went native, celebrating all local festivals.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negative
'Go native' sometimes has a negative tone, suggesting abandonment of one's traditions.
Some villagers felt he went native, neglecting his own customs.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Location
It can also be used for adapting to groups or communities, not just geographical places.
Joining the artists, he went native, adopting their lifestyle and values.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Shift
The phrase can imply a deep appreciation for, or complete immersion in, a new culture.
After years in Japan, she went native, celebrating all local festivals.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negative
'Go native' sometimes has a negative tone, suggesting abandonment of one's traditions.
Some villagers felt he went native, neglecting his own customs.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Just Location
It can also be used for adapting to groups or communities, not just geographical places.
Joining the artists, he went native, adopting their lifestyle and values.
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