- A casual way to decline an offer, suggestion, or opportunity.
- Often used for tangible offers (food, drink) or invitations to participate.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely derived from card games (like poker or bridge) where to pass means to decline one's turn to act (bet, bid, play).
- This meaning was generalized to declining any offer or chance to participate.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Nah, I'm good.
- Not feeling it. (Declining an activity)
- Hard pass. (Emphatic informal refusal, stronger than 'I'll pass')
- Gonna sit this one out. (Declining participation)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Strong refusal):
- Fuck that.
- Hell no.
Milder/More Polite:
- No, thank you.
- Not this time, thanks.
- I think I'd rather not.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Very common in casual social settings among peers, friends, family.
- Can be acceptable in relaxed workplace environments.
- Might sound slightly too casual or abrupt in highly formal situations where No, thank you is preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear due to context (being used after an offer).
- Learners unfamiliar with the idiom might momentarily be confused by pass, but the refusing function is usually obvious.
Examples
- Want another slice of pizza? No thanks, I'll pass. I'm full.
- We're all going ice skating later, you coming? Hmm, I think I'll pass. Not really my thing.
- (Offering around snacks) Cookie? I'll pass, thanks.
Dialogue
Colleague 1: Hey, a few of us are grabbing drinks after work. Want to join?
Colleague 2: Thanks for the invite, but I'll pass tonight. Need to get home.
Colleague 1: Okay, no worries. See you tomorrow!
Social Media Examples
- Replying to an open invitation in a group chat: Anyone for karaoke Friday? -> I'll pass, have fun tho!
- Food blog comment on a strange recipe: Would you try this? -> Interesting... but I think I'll pass! 😂
Response Patterns
- The offerer typically accepts the refusal without fuss.
- Okay. / Alright then. / Suit yourself.
- More for me! (Joking)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After the refusal:
- The offerer moves on, perhaps offering to someone else.
- No explanation is usually expected or required.
Action:
- The offer is declined simply and casually.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's a response to an offer or invitation.
Intonation
- Usually casual, neutral, and definitive.
- Even stress or slight stress on pass.
- Typically falling intonation. I'll PASS.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across most generations, perhaps especially common among younger and middle-aged adults.
Regional Variations
- Standard across major English-speaking regions, particularly prevalent in North America.