Top 30 Slang For Ending A Relationship – Meaning & Usage

Breaking up is never easy, but sometimes finding the right words to end a relationship can be just as challenging. Luckily, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top slang phrases for ending a relationship. Whether you’re looking for a funny, sarcastic, or straightforward way to say goodbye, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to add some spice to your breakup vocabulary and navigate the world of relationship endings with style.

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1. Break up

To break up means to end a romantic relationship. It can refer to a mutual decision or a one-sided decision.

For example, “They decided to break up because they realized they wanted different things.”
A person might say, “I can’t continue this relationship, we need to break up.”
In a conversation with a friend, someone might say, “I’m going to break up with him, it’s just not working out.”

2. Dump

To dump someone means to abruptly end a relationship, often without warning or explanation. It implies a lack of consideration for the other person’s feelings.

For instance, “She dumped him out of the blue and he was devastated.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe he dumped me over a text message.”
In a conversation with a friend, someone might say, “I need to dump him, he’s been treating me poorly.”

3. Ghost

To ghost someone means to abruptly end a relationship by cutting off all communication without any explanation or closure. It often happens in the context of online dating or casual relationships.

For example, “He ghosted her after their third date and she never heard from him again.”
A person might say, “I’m going to ghost him because I’m not interested anymore.”
In a conversation with a friend, someone might say, “I was ghosted by my ex, it was really hurtful.”

4. Split up

To split up means to end a relationship mutually, often due to differences or problems that cannot be resolved.

For instance, “They realized they wanted different things and decided to split up.”
A person might say, “We’ve tried everything, but it’s time to split up.”
In a conversation with a friend, someone might say, “We split up because we realized we weren’t compatible.”

5. Call it quits

To call it quits means to decide to end a relationship, often after a period of struggle or unhappiness.

For example, “They finally decided to call it quits after months of arguing.”
A person might say, “I think it’s time to call it quits, we’re not making each other happy.”
In a conversation with a friend, someone might say, “We called it quits because we realized we weren’t meant for each other.”

6. Cut ties

This phrase means to completely sever all communication and connection with someone, usually after a breakup or falling out. It implies a desire to remove that person from your life entirely.

For example, “After the breakup, I decided to cut ties with my ex and unfollowed them on social media.”
Someone might say, “I had to cut ties with my toxic friend for my own mental health.”
In a discussion about ending a professional relationship, one might mention, “Sometimes it’s necessary to cut ties with a difficult client.”

7. Part ways

This expression means to end a relationship or partnership and go in different directions. It can refer to both romantic relationships and friendships or business partnerships.

For instance, “After years of dating, we realized it was time to part ways.”
In a discussion about a band breaking up, someone might say, “Sometimes creative differences lead to the decision to part ways.”
A person reflecting on a friendship might say, “We had different goals and interests, so we decided to part ways.”

8. Move on

This phrase means to emotionally detach from a past relationship or experience and focus on the future. It implies a willingness to let go of any lingering feelings or attachments.

For example, “After the divorce, I knew I had to move on and start anew.”
Someone might say, “It’s time to move on from that toxic relationship and find happiness elsewhere.”
In a discussion about personal growth, one might mention, “Moving on from past failures is essential for personal development.”

9. Break it off

This slang phrase means to terminate a romantic relationship. It implies a decisive and often sudden action.

For instance, “I couldn’t handle their constant lies, so I had to break it off.”
In a conversation about a couple’s issues, someone might suggest, “Maybe it’s time to break it off and find someone who treats you better.”
A person might say, “Breaking it off was tough, but it was the right decision for both of us.”

10. Finish things

This phrase means to bring a relationship to a final and definitive end. It suggests completing any remaining tasks or discussions before officially ending the relationship.

For example, “We decided to sit down and finish things before going our separate ways.”
Someone might say, “I don’t want any loose ends, so let’s finish things properly.”
In a discussion about closure, one might mention, “It’s important to finish things and have a clear ending to move on.”

11. Separate

To end a romantic relationship or partnership. “Separate” is often used to describe the act of physically or emotionally parting ways with someone.

For instance, a person might say, “We decided to separate and see other people.”
In a conversation about a troubled relationship, one might say, “I think it’s time we separate and figure out what we really want.”
A friend might offer support by saying, “I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a separate. Let me know if you need anything.”

12. Say goodbye

To bring a relationship to a close. “Say goodbye” is a casual way to express the act of ending a romantic connection or friendship.

For example, someone might say, “It’s time to say goodbye and move on.”
In a discussion about a breakup, a person might say, “I finally had the courage to say goodbye and walk away.”
A friend might advise, “If the relationship isn’t making you happy, it’s time to say goodbye and find someone who will.”

13. Let go

To release or relinquish a relationship. “Let go” is often used to describe the act of emotionally detaching oneself from a romantic partner or letting someone go from one’s life.

For instance, a person might say, “I had to let go of the past and move on.”
In a conversation about a toxic relationship, one might say, “It’s time to let go of this person and focus on my own happiness.”
A friend might offer support by saying, “I know it’s hard, but sometimes you have to let go and trust that better things are coming.”

14. Split

To go separate ways and end a relationship. “Split” is a colloquial term often used to describe the act of breaking up or ending a romantic connection.

For example, someone might say, “We decided to split and go our own ways.”
In a discussion about a failed relationship, a person might say, “We knew it was time to split and find happiness elsewhere.”
A friend might advise, “If you’re not happy together, it’s better to split and find someone who truly makes you happy.”

15. Dissolve

To terminate or end a relationship. “Dissolve” is often used to describe the act of formally ending a partnership or marriage.

For instance, a person might say, “We decided to dissolve our marriage and go our separate ways.”
In a conversation about a business partnership, one might say, “We agreed to dissolve the partnership and pursue other opportunities.”
A friend might offer support by saying, “It’s never easy to dissolve a relationship, but sometimes it’s necessary for personal growth.”

16. Break off

To break off a relationship means to end it suddenly or abruptly, often without warning or explanation.

For example, “They had been dating for a few months, but he decided to break it off out of nowhere.”
A friend might say, “If you’re not happy, it’s better to break things off sooner rather than later.”
In a conversation about past relationships, someone might say, “I’ve had my fair share of break-offs, but it’s all part of the dating experience.”

17. Cut off

To cut off a relationship means to completely end it and have no further contact or communication with the person.

For instance, “After the betrayal, she decided to cut him off from her life for good.”
A person might say, “I had to cut off all ties with my toxic ex for the sake of my mental health.”
In a discussion about moving on, someone might advise, “If someone is toxic or abusive, it’s important to cut them off and prioritize your well-being.”

18. Pull the plug

To pull the plug on a relationship means to end it decisively or abruptly, often when it is not working or no longer beneficial.

For example, “They realized they had grown apart and decided to pull the plug on their long-term relationship.”
A person might say, “If you’re not happy anymore, it’s better to pull the plug and find happiness elsewhere.”
In a conversation about relationship struggles, someone might say, “Sometimes you just have to pull the plug and move on to something better.”

19. Throw in the towel

To throw in the towel on a relationship means to give up or surrender, often due to challenges or difficulties that cannot be overcome.

For instance, “After years of trying to make it work, they finally threw in the towel and went their separate ways.”
A friend might say, “If you’ve given it your all and it’s still not working, it might be time to throw in the towel.”
In a discussion about failed relationships, someone might admit, “I’ve thrown in the towel more than once, but it’s all part of the learning process.”

20. Finish it

To finish it means to end a relationship, often by one party making the decision to do so.

For example, “They had been drifting apart for a while, so she finally decided to finish it.”
A person might say, “If you’re not happy anymore, it’s important to have the courage to finish it.”
In a conversation about relationship challenges, someone might say, “Sometimes you just know it’s time to finish it and move on to something better.”

21. Let someone go

This phrase means to end a romantic relationship with someone. It implies that one person is choosing to release the other person from the relationship.

For example, “I had to let him go because we wanted different things in life.”
In a conversation with a friend, you might say, “I think it’s time to let her go. We’re just not compatible.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “How do I let someone go without hurting their feelings?”

22. Ditch

To “ditch” someone in the context of a relationship means to abruptly end the relationship or leave without warning or explanation. It implies a lack of consideration or respect for the other person.

For instance, “He ditched me without any explanation. I was left feeling confused and hurt.”
In a conversation about past relationships, someone might say, “I was ditched by my ex-boyfriend. It was really tough to deal with.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I’ve been ditched before, and it’s a terrible feeling.”

23. Go separate ways

This phrase means to mutually agree to end a relationship and move forward in different directions. It implies a sense of maturity and understanding between both parties.

For example, “We realized we wanted different things in life, so we decided to go separate ways.”
In a conversation about breakups, someone might say, “Sometimes, it’s best to go separate ways and find happiness individually.”
A person reflecting on their past relationship might say, “We tried to make it work, but in the end, we had to go our separate ways.”

24. Walk away

To “walk away” from a relationship means to choose to end it and physically remove oneself from the situation. It implies a decision to prioritize one’s own well-being or happiness.

For instance, “I had to walk away from that toxic relationship for my own mental health.”
In a conversation about difficult breakups, someone might say, “Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just walk away.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “How do I find the strength to walk away from a relationship that’s not healthy anymore?”

25. Let someone down easy

This phrase means to break up with someone in a considerate and compassionate manner, taking their feelings into account. It implies a desire to minimize the pain or hurt caused by the breakup.

For example, “I tried to let him down easy by explaining my reasons for ending the relationship.”
In a conversation about breakup strategies, someone might say, “It’s important to let someone down easy to avoid unnecessary pain.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “What are some tips for letting someone down easy when you want to end the relationship?”

26. Give the boot

This phrase means to abruptly end a relationship or to break up with someone. It is often used when someone wants to convey that they are ending the relationship decisively or forcefully.

For example, “She gave him the boot after she found out he cheated on her.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “If they’re not treating you right, it’s time to give them the boot.”
A friend might offer advice, saying, “If you’re unhappy, don’t be afraid to give the boot and find someone who deserves you.”

27. Sever ties

To sever ties means to completely cut off all contact and connection with someone, usually after ending a relationship. It implies a deliberate and permanent disconnection from the other person.

For instance, “After the breakup, she decided to sever ties with her ex and move on.”
In a discussion about toxic relationships, someone might say, “Sometimes it’s necessary to sever ties with toxic people for our own well-being.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “Should I sever ties with my ex if I want to move on?”

28. Drop

This slang term means to end a relationship casually or without much thought or concern. It implies a lack of emotional investment or attachment in the relationship.

For example, “He dropped her without any explanation or warning.”
In a conversation about dating, someone might say, “If they’re not meeting your needs, it’s okay to drop them and move on.”
A friend might give advice, saying, “Don’t waste your time on someone who’s not worth it. Just drop them and find someone better.”

29. Discontinue

To discontinue means to stop or end a relationship or interaction. It is a more formal term and can be used in various contexts, not just romantic relationships.

For instance, “They decided to discontinue their romantic relationship but remain friends.”
In a discussion about business partnerships, someone might say, “If a partnership becomes unproductive, it may be necessary to discontinue it.”
A person seeking advice might ask, “How do I politely discontinue a friendship that is no longer serving me?”

30. Terminate

To terminate means to end or bring to an end a relationship or contract. It is a more formal term often used in legal or professional contexts.

For example, “They terminated their marriage through a legal divorce.”
In a conversation about employment, someone might say, “If an employee violates company policies, the company has the right to terminate their contract.”
A friend might offer advice, saying, “If the relationship is toxic and causing you harm, it’s time to terminate it and prioritize your well-being.”