- To stop worrying about something unpleasant, like criticism, a mistake, embarrassment, or a minor injury, and move on.
- Encourages resilience and not letting negativity affect you.
Explanation
Origin
- The literal image is of shaking off dust, water, or something physically clinging to you.
- The metaphorical use has been common for a long time, meaning to rid oneself of a negative feeling or influence.
- Massively popularized and brought into the modern lexicon by Taylor Swift's 2014 hit song Shake It Off, which is explicitly about ignoring haters and criticism.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Whatever. (Meaning: Dismissive, implies it doesn't matter)
- Water off a duck's back. (Meaning: Criticism doesn't affect someone)
- Forget about it. / Fuhgeddaboudit (NY/Italian-American slang, often used emphatically)
- No worries. (Aus/NZ/Casual)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong dismissal of the negativity):
- Fuck 'em. / Fuck it. (Meaning: Disregard the opinions or the problem completely)
Milder/Therapeutic:
- Try not to dwell on it.
- Focus on the positive.
- Release that negativity.
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal. Appropriate among friends, family, teammates.
- Can be used in some informal workplace contexts, especially regarding minor setbacks.
- Can sound dismissive or minimizing if the problem is genuinely serious or the person needs validation, not dismissal. Judge the situation carefully.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning is clear, but non-native speakers might not grasp the nuance of when it's supportive versus when it might sound dismissive. Context and tone are crucial.
Examples
- Don't worry about their comments, just shake it off.
- Okay, you tripped in front of everyone. Embarrassing, but shake it off and keep going.
- The team lost the first game, but the coach told them to shake it off and focus on the next one.
Dialogue
Ali: I can't believe I misspelled the client's name in that email! I feel so stupid.
Ben: Hey, it happens. It was a small typo. Just send a correction and shake it off.
Ali: You think so? I'm worried they'll think I'm unprofessional.
Ben: Nah, they'll understand. Don't dwell on it. Shake it off!
Social Media Examples
- Post: Had a rough presentation today, but trying to shake it off! Tomorrow's a new day. 💪 #Motivation #ShakeItOff
- Comment on someone's vent post: Haters gonna hate! Just shake it off like T-Swift! ✨
- Instagram Story: Selfie after a workout fail, text overlay: Totally wiped out on the treadmill lol. Gotta shake it off! 😂 #GymFail #ShakeItOff
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Acknowledgement: Yeah, you're right. I need to shake it off. / Okay, I'll try.
- Difficulty/Resistance: It's easier said than done. / I can't just shake it off that easily.
- Annoyance (if feeling dismissed): Don't tell me to 'shake it off', this is serious!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After advising someone to shake it off: Offering further encouragement (You got this!), changing the subject to something positive, suggesting a distracting activity.
- After being told to shake it off: The person might make an effort to change their mood, vent a bit more before trying, or ask for advice on *how* to let it go.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's usually a response or piece of advice given to someone already expressing distress or worry.
Intonation
- Often encouraging and upbeat.
- Emphasis typically on SHAKE. SHAKE it off.
- Can also be slightly dismissive if telling someone their concern is minor.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all, but particularly prevalent among Millennials and Gen Z due to the Taylor Swift song reinforcing its cultural relevance.
Regional Variations
- Widely used and understood across English-speaking regions.