- A firm refusal or statement that something is impossible or highly unlikely.
- Gonna is a common informal contraction of going to.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward colloquial shortening of That is not going to happen.
- Its widespread use reflects a direct, sometimes blunt, conversational style common in American English.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ain't happening
- No dice
- Fat chance
- Forget about it
- NFW (Acronym for No F***ing Way, used in text/online)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- No fucking way
- Like hell it is/will
- Fuck that
Milder/Formal:
- That's not possible
- I'm afraid that won't work
- That's unlikely to occur
- Unfortunately, no.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal, depending on tone.
- Can sound blunt or dismissive in formal settings. Best avoided with superiors unless the relationship is very casual.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally clear in meaning.
- The primary risk is the bluntness, which might be misconstrued as rude if the context or relationship doesn't support it.
Examples
- You want me to lend you my new car? Not gonna happen.
- He thinks he can finish the entire project by tomorrow? Not gonna happen.
Dialogue
Person A: Can I borrow $100 until Friday?
Person B: Sorry, man. Not gonna happen. I'm totally broke myself.
Person A: Seriously? Not even $20?
Person B: Nope. Wish I could help.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My boss wants me to come in on Saturday? LOL not gonna happen. #weekendvibes #boundaries
- Comment Thread: User A: Prediction Team X will win the championship easily. User B: Not gonna happen, Team Y's defense is too strong this year.
- Instagram Story Poll: Should I get bangs? Response Option: Cute! / Not gonna happen
Response Patterns
- Often met with disappointment, argument, or acceptance.
- Aw, come on!
- Why not?
- Okay, fine.
- Worth a shot.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The person hearing it might ask Why not? or try to negotiate or persuade.
- The speaker might elaborate on *why* it won't happen (I need my car this weekend, or The deadline is impossible.).
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually a response to a request or suggestion.
Intonation
- Often said with a firm, falling intonation.
- Stress typically falls on Not and hap-pen: NOT gonna HAPpen.
- Can be slightly singsong or drawn out for sarcastic effect.
Generation Differences
- Widely used across many generations.
- The use of gonna makes it feel particularly common among younger people (Teens to 40s).
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English.
- Other regions might prefer Not happening, No chance, or That's not on.