- An exclamation of strong surprise, disbelief, or astonishment.
- It is *not* a literal command to leave; it's a figurative way of saying That's too unbelievable to be true or I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Explanation
Origin
- Emerged in American English slang, likely mid-20th century.
- The literal command to get out (leave this place) is used hyperbolically. The implication is that the news is so shocking or outlandish it doesn't belong in the realm of reality or normal conversation ('here').
- Similar to saying the news 'blows you away' or knocks you off your feet.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Get outta here! (Spoken variant)
- Get outta town!
- Shut up! (Playful disbelief)
- Shut the front door! (Euphemistic, playful disbelief)
- Stop it! (Playful disbelief)
- No way!
- Word? (AAVE surprise/disbelief)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Get the fuck outta here! (Can express strong disbelief or dismissal)
Milder:
- Wow!
- Really?
- I don't believe it.
- You don't say! (Can be genuine surprise, but often ironic)
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal.
- Best used with friends, family, or close acquaintances in casual settings.
- Avoid in formal situations, professional environments, or with people who might misunderstand the idiom (e.g., take it literally).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The most significant risk is that a non-native speaker or someone unfamiliar with the idiom will take it as a literal, rude command to leave.
- Context (surprising news) and tone (amazed, not angry) are crucial to convey the intended meaning.
Examples
- A: I just got promoted to CEO! B: Get out of here! That's amazing!
- You found a $100 bill on the street? Get out of here!
- A: He ate 10 hot dogs in 5 minutes. B: Get out of here! No way!
Dialogue
Sam: You will not believe who I just saw at the coffee shop – Tom Hanks!
Jen: Get out of here! Seriously? Did you talk to him?
Sam: No, I was too starstruck! But it was definitely him!
Social Media Examples
- Comment: You won the competition?! Get out of here! Congrats! 🎉
- Reply: A: My dog learned to open the fridge. B: Get out of here! Video proof needed! 😂
- Text: Guess what? I passed the bar exam! GET OUT OF HERE!!! Omg congrats!!
Response Patterns
- Confirmation/Shared Amazement: I know, right?!, It's totally true!, I couldn't believe it either!, Yeah, man!
- Laughter.
- Providing proof (if appropriate): Look, here's the promotion letter!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Laughter and expressions of congratulation or further amazement: That's incredible!, Congratulations!, No way!
- Asking for more details: How did that happen?, Tell me more!
- Playful punch on the arm (among close friends).
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Purely a reaction.
Intonation
- Exclamatory, often with a tone of amazement or slight laughter.
- Strong stress usually falls on OUT, sometimes also on GET. GET OUT of here!
- Can have a slightly rising tone at the end, implying Really?!
Generation Differences
- Commonly understood by most generations, but perhaps used more frequently by Gen X and Millennials.
- Younger Gen Z might favor No way!, Shut up!, or Stop it! for similar effect.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin and common usage, but widely understood in other English-speaking regions due to media influence.
- Similar expressions exist elsewhere, e.g., Get away! (UK/Ireland).