- A strong expression of anger, dismissal, or contempt directed at someone.
- It is an insult wishing damnation upon the person, essentially telling them to leave, suffer, or be damned.
Explanation
Origin
- Rooted in religious concepts of Hell as a place of eternal suffering and punishment for the wicked.
- Wishing someone to go to hell has been a potent curse or insult in English for centuries, drawing its power from these religious beliefs (even among non-religious speakers, the cultural weight remains).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck off. / Fuck you. (Very strong, direct dismissal/insult)
- Eat shit and die. (Extremely vulgar and hostile)
- Kiss my ass. (Dismissive insult)
Slang/Informal (Milder dismissals):
- Get lost.
- Beat it.
- Scram. (Dated)
- Buzz off.
- Take a hike.
- Piss off. (Informal, strength varies by region/context)
Milder/More Polite (Expressing strong disapproval/ending interaction):
- Leave me alone.
- I don't want to speak to you right now/anymore.
- That's unacceptable.
- Please go.
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal and offensive in most contexts.
- Expresses significant anger and disrespect. Should only be used (if ever) in moments of extreme personal conflict.
- Completely inappropriate in professional, formal, or polite settings. Using it can have severe social consequences.
- Even joking usage is risky and depends heavily on a very close relationship and clear non-serious cues.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is usually clear due to the strong negative emotion. The main risk is underestimating how offensive and damaging the phrase can be, or misjudging the context for rare 'joking' use. It's almost never truly funny. Non-native speakers should generally avoid using it.
Examples
- You betrayed my trust! Go to hell!
- He told his boss to go to hell and walked out. (Extreme situation)
- Used more mildly, sometimes almost playfully among close friends, but context is critical: You ate the last cookie? Ah, go to hell! (Said with a smile, not real anger). *Caution: this is risky*.
Dialogue
Context
Person A: ...and that's why I told everyone your secret. You deserved it.
Person B: (Voice trembling with anger) I can't believe you would do that. Get out. Just... go to hell.
Person A: Fine!
(Person B slams the door after Person A leaves).
Social Media Examples
- (Typically in heated arguments): Comment reply: @[Username] Your arguments are ridiculous and offensive. Honestly, just go to hell. (Often leads to blocking/reporting).
- Dramatic scene description in fiction/script: She looked him straight in the eye. 'Go to hell,' she whispered, then turned and walked away.
Response Patterns
- Shock or anger: How dare you! / You go to hell!
- Hurt: Silence, looking upset, or walking away.
- Dismissal: Whatever. / Ignoring the comment.
- In very rare joking contexts: Laughter, mock offense (Hey!).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says Go to hell:
- The conversation often ends abruptly.
- The relationship may be damaged.
- The person who said it might storm off, or the recipient might leave.
- Escalation into a bigger argument is possible.
Conversation Starter
- Absolutely not. It's an aggressive statement intended to end interaction or express extreme anger/contempt.
Intonation
- Usually said with strong anger, force, and contempt. Sharp falling intonation. GO to HELL!
- Can sometimes be muttered under the breath with bitterness.
- If used 'jokingly' (rare and risky), the tone would be much lighter, often accompanied by laughter or a smile, but the words themselves remain harsh.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations as a serious insult. Older generations might perceive it as even stronger due to closer ties to its religious origins.
Regional Variations
- Universally understood as a strong insult across English-speaking regions.