Shut up

verb

To stop talking or to tell someone to stop talking.

You've been talking for an hour - it's time to shut up!
Visual representation of "shut up" - to stop talking or to tell someone to stop talking

Often appears as...

  • shut up and listen
  • just shut up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To close something firmly or completely.

He shut up the shop for the night.
Visual representation of "shut up" - to close something firmly or completely

Often appears as...

  • shut up shop
  • shut up the house

Usage tips

Colloquial

interjection

A rude way to tell someone to stop talking.

Shut up! I've heard enough of your lies.
Visual representation of "shut up" - a rude way to tell someone to stop talking

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To stop talking or to tell someone to stop talking.

You've been talking for an hour - it's time to shut up!
Visual representation of "shut up" - to stop talking or to tell someone to stop talking

Often appears as...

  • shut up and listen
  • just shut up

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrasal verb

To close something firmly or completely.

He shut up the shop for the night.
Visual representation of "shut up" - to close something firmly or completely

Often appears as...

  • shut up shop
  • shut up the house

Usage tips

Colloquial

interjection

A rude way to tell someone to stop talking.

Shut up! I've heard enough of your lies.
Visual representation of "shut up" - a rude way to tell someone to stop talking

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "shut up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Tone Awareness

The tone when telling someone to 'shut up' implies annoyance or frustration; it can be offensive.

Illustration for Tone Awareness
Enough noise, just shut up now!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

'Shut up' is often considered impolite and may be seen as disrespectful in many cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In class, he told his friend to shut up and the teacher got upset.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Use

Sometimes 'shut up' can express disbelief or amazement, not always literally meaning 'be quiet'.

Illustration for Non-literal Use
You got the job? Shut up, that's amazing!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Tone Awareness

The tone when telling someone to 'shut up' implies annoyance or frustration; it can be offensive.

Illustration for Tone Awareness
Enough noise, just shut up now!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

'Shut up' is often considered impolite and may be seen as disrespectful in many cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In class, he told his friend to shut up and the teacher got upset.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Use

Sometimes 'shut up' can express disbelief or amazement, not always literally meaning 'be quiet'.

Illustration for Non-literal Use
You got the job? Shut up, that's amazing!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Tone Awareness

The tone when telling someone to 'shut up' implies annoyance or frustration; it can be offensive.

Illustration for Tone Awareness
Enough noise, just shut up now!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Sensitivity

'Shut up' is often considered impolite and may be seen as disrespectful in many cultures.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
In class, he told his friend to shut up and the teacher got upset.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Non-literal Use

Sometimes 'shut up' can express disbelief or amazement, not always literally meaning 'be quiet'.

Illustration for Non-literal Use
You got the job? Shut up, that's amazing!
Visual representation of the word "Shut up"

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