Top 26 Slang For Ignore – Meaning & Usage

In a world filled with constant distractions and notifications, it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve when it comes to ignoring the noise. Whether you’re dealing with annoying coworkers or trying to focus on a task, knowing the top slang for ignore can be a game-changer. From subtle phrases to clever acronyms, we’ve compiled a list of the most effective ways to tune out the noise and reclaim your peace of mind. Get ready to level up your ignore game!

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1. Brush off

To brush off someone or something means to disregard or dismiss them. It implies not paying attention or giving importance to someone or something.

For example, if someone tries to start an argument with you, you can simply brush them off and walk away.
If someone asks for your opinion on a topic you’re not interested in, you might brush off the question with a nonchalant response.
When faced with criticism, some people choose to brush it off and not let it affect them.

2. Blow off

To blow off someone or something means to ignore or cancel plans with them. It implies not valuing the commitment or disregarding the importance of the event or person.

For instance, if a friend asks you to hang out but you don’t feel like it, you might blow them off and make an excuse.
If someone blows off a meeting at work, it can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful.
Sometimes people blow off responsibilities and choose to prioritize leisure activities instead.

3. Tune out

To tune out means to stop paying attention or ignore someone or something. It implies intentionally disconnecting or disengaging from a conversation or situation.

For example, during a boring lecture, a student might tune out and daydream instead of paying attention.
If someone is constantly nagging you, you might tune them out to preserve your sanity.
When a TV show becomes uninteresting, viewers might tune out and change the channel.

4. Give the cold shoulder

To give someone the cold shoulder means to deliberately ignore or snub them. It implies intentionally refusing to acknowledge their presence or interact with them.

For instance, if someone has wronged you and you want to show your displeasure, you might give them the cold shoulder.
If someone tries to strike up a conversation with you but you’re not interested, you might give them the cold shoulder and walk away.
In social settings, someone might give the cold shoulder to a person they dislike or want to distance themselves from.

5. Shrug off

To shrug off means to dismiss or not take something seriously. It implies not being affected or concerned by a situation or comment.

For example, if someone makes a sarcastic remark about your outfit, you might choose to shrug it off and not let it bother you.
When faced with failure, some people choose to shrug it off and focus on the next opportunity.
If someone tries to provoke you with negative comments, you can shrug them off and rise above the situation.

6. Disregard

To disregard something means to intentionally ignore or pay no attention to it. It implies a deliberate choice to not acknowledge or consider something.

For example, if someone gives you unsolicited advice, you might say, “I’m just going to disregard that.”
In a meeting, a team member might suggest an idea that is not relevant to the discussion, and the leader might say, “Let’s disregard that for now and focus on the main topic.”
If someone makes a rude comment online, you might choose to disregard it and not engage in an argument.

7. Pay no mind

To pay no mind means to not give attention or consideration to something. It suggests a lack of interest or importance placed on the subject.

For instance, if someone tries to start a rumor about you, you might say, “I’m just going to pay no mind to it.”
If a friend complains about a minor issue, you might advise them, “Just pay no mind to it and move on.”
In a noisy environment, someone might say, “Pay no mind to the background noise and focus on what I’m saying.”

8. Pass over

To pass over means to choose to ignore or overlook something. It implies a decision to not give attention or consideration to a particular thing.

For example, if someone makes a mistake in a report, a supervisor might pass over it and focus on the overall quality of the work.
In a group discussion, if someone suggests an idea that is not feasible, the team might pass over it and move on to other suggestions.
When reading a long article, you might pass over certain sections that are not relevant to your research.

9. Look the other way

To look the other way means to deliberately ignore or pretend not to see something. It suggests a conscious decision to avoid acknowledging or addressing a situation.

For instance, if someone is behaving inappropriately in public, you might choose to look the other way to avoid getting involved.
In a workplace setting, if a colleague is consistently breaking a rule, some employees might look the other way and not report it.
In a relationship, if your partner does something you disagree with, you might look the other way to maintain peace.

10. Shut out

To shut out means to exclude or ignore someone or something intentionally. It implies a deliberate action to keep someone or something out of a particular situation or from receiving attention.

For example, if someone consistently interrupts you during a conversation, you might shut them out by not responding to their comments.
In a team project, if a member is not contributing effectively, the team might shut them out of important decisions.
When focusing on a task that requires concentration, you might shut out distractions by closing the door and turning off your phone.

11. Avoid

To deliberately stay away from or not engage with something or someone.

For example, “I try to avoid drama at all costs.”
In a discussion about unhealthy foods, someone might say, “I try to avoid sugary drinks.”
A person might advise, “If you want to stay healthy, avoid smoking.”

12. Overlook

To fail to notice or acknowledge something or someone.

For instance, “I overlooked the email in my inbox.”
In a conversation about a mistake, someone might say, “I apologize for overlooking that detail.”
A person might admit, “I tend to overlook small details when I’m in a rush.”

13. Discredit

To cause people to stop believing or trusting in something or someone.

For example, “The evidence discredited the witness’s testimony.”
In a discussion about conspiracy theories, someone might say, “Scientists have discredited that theory.”
A person might argue, “Don’t discredit her achievements just because of one mistake.”

14. Sidestep

To avoid dealing with or confronting something or someone.

For instance, “He sidestepped the question and changed the topic.”
In a conversation about a difficult situation, someone might say, “I’m trying to sidestep any potential conflicts.”
A person might advise, “If you want to maintain peace, sidestep controversial topics.”

15. Brush aside

To refuse to consider or acknowledge something or someone as important or significant.

For example, “He brushed aside her concerns and continued with his plan.”
In a discussion about feedback, someone might say, “Don’t just brush aside constructive criticism.”
A person might admit, “I tend to brush aside my own emotions and focus on others.”

16. Pay no heed

This phrase means to intentionally not pay attention to something or someone. It suggests a deliberate choice to ignore or disregard.

For example, “He told me to pay no heed to the rumors.”
In a conversation about distractions, someone might say, “I try to pay no heed to negative comments.”
A parent might advise their child, “Pay no heed to bullies and focus on your own goals.”

17. Turn a deaf ear

This expression means to ignore or refuse to acknowledge something, particularly when it comes to hearing or listening.

For instance, “She turned a deaf ear to my pleas for help.”
In a discussion about criticism, someone might say, “I try to turn a deaf ear to negative feedback.”
A teacher might advise their students, “Don’t turn a deaf ear to constructive criticism; it can help you improve.”

18. Dismiss out of hand

To dismiss something out of hand means to reject or ignore it without giving it any consideration or thought.

For example, “He dismissed my idea out of hand, without even listening to the details.”
In a debate, someone might say, “Don’t dismiss the opposing argument out of hand; consider its merits.”
A manager might warn their team, “Don’t dismiss new ideas out of hand; they could lead to innovation.”

19. Give someone the cold shoulder

To give someone the cold shoulder means to intentionally ignore or snub them, often by refusing to acknowledge their presence or avoiding any interaction.

For instance, “She gave me the cold shoulder after our argument.”
In a discussion about social dynamics, someone might say, “If you want to end a friendship, giving someone the cold shoulder is an effective way.”
A person might share their experience, “I felt hurt when my colleagues gave me the cold shoulder at work.”

20. Give someone the brush-off

To give someone the brush-off means to dismiss or ignore them abruptly, often without providing any explanation or further interaction.

For example, “He gave me the brush-off when I asked for help.”
In a conversation about dating, someone might say, “If someone gives you the brush-off, it’s a clear sign they’re not interested.”
A person might recount their experience, “I felt hurt when my boss gave me the brush-off during our meeting.”

21. Give someone the slip

This phrase means to avoid or elude someone, often in a sneaky or clever way.

For example, “He tried to ask me out, but I gave him the slip and left the party.”
In a game of hide-and-seek, a player might say, “I gave everyone the slip and found a great hiding spot.”
If someone is trying to sell you something on the street, you might say, “I gave them the slip and walked away quickly.”

22. Pass by

This expression means to disregard or overlook someone or something, often by intentionally not acknowledging their presence.

For instance, “I saw my ex at the grocery store, but I just passed by and pretended not to notice.”
In a crowded room, you might pass by someone you don’t want to talk to and avoid eye contact.
If a friend is being annoying, you could say, “I’m just going to pass by their comments and not engage.”

23. Disengage

To disengage means to remove oneself from a situation or interaction, often to avoid further involvement or conflict.

For example, “I decided to disengage from the argument and walked away.”
If someone is trying to provoke you, it’s best to disengage and not give them the satisfaction.
In a professional setting, you might disengage from a difficult coworker and focus on your work instead.

24. Cut someone dead

This phrase means to intentionally ignore or snub someone, often as a form of punishment or to show disapproval.

For instance, “After their fight, she cut him dead and refused to speak to him.”
If someone is being rude, you might cut them dead and refuse to acknowledge their presence.
In a social setting, you could say, “I’m going to cut that person dead and avoid any interaction with them.”

25. Give someone a wide berth

To give someone a wide berth means to intentionally keep a distance from them, often to avoid confrontation or unwanted interaction.

For example, “I saw my ex at the party, so I gave them a wide berth and stayed on the other side of the room.”
If someone is sick, you might give them a wide berth to avoid catching their illness.
In a crowded area, you could say, “I’m going to give that group a wide berth and walk around them to avoid any potential conflict.”

26. Act like someone doesn’t exist

This term refers to the act of completely ignoring someone, as if they don’t exist. It is commonly used in the context of ending a romantic or social relationship without any explanation or communication.

For example, “After their fight, he started ghosting her and stopped responding to her texts.”
In a discussion about modern dating, one might say, “Ghosting has become a common way to end a relationship in the digital age.”
A person might advise their friend, “If you’re not interested in someone, it’s better to be honest than to ghost them.”