- A rude, dismissive command telling someone to go away or leave immediately.
Explanation
Origin
- American English slang, early 20th century.
- The imagery is telling someone to go for a long walk (hike), implying they should go far away and leave the speaker alone.
- It's intentionally abrupt and impolite.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
No content available.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal and rude.
- Use only when intending to be deliberately dismissive, hostile, or when extremely frustrated/angry.
- Completely inappropriate in polite conversation, professional settings, customer service, or any situation requiring respect. Using it will likely cause offense and escalate conflict.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- While the literal meaning involves walking, the rude, dismissive intent is usually very clear from the context and tone. A non-native speaker might initially be confused but will quickly grasp the negative meaning.
Examples
- He wouldn't stop annoying me, so I finally told him to take a hike.
- If you don't like the rules, you can take a hike!
- Just take a hike and leave me alone!
Dialogue
Person 1: I demand to speak to your manager right now! This service is unacceptable!
Person 2: Sir, I've explained the policy. There's nothing more I can do. Please calm down or I'll have to ask you to leave.
Person 1: I'm not leaving! Get me your manager!
Person 2: (Losing patience) Look, just take a hike, alright? You're disrupting everyone.
Social Media Examples
- (Usually used descriptively or quoting someone, rarely directed unless in anger):
- Tweet: Just had some creep message me unwanted pics. Told him to take a hike and blocked him. Ugh.
- FB Rant: To anyone who thinks it's okay to [do something offensive], you can take a hike!
- Forum Comment: If you don't like the rules of this subreddit, take a hike.
Response Patterns
- Anger/Indignation: How dare you speak to me like that! / You can't tell me what to do!
- Hurt/Offense: Well! That wasn't very nice.
- Leaving (angrily or dejectedly): Fine! I will!
- Confrontation/Refusal: Make me leave. / I'm not going anywhere.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
By the speaker:
- Might turn away, emphasizing the dismissal.
- Might repeat the command more forcefully.
- Might escalate the confrontation if the person doesn't leave.
By the person told to leave:
- Might leave, often showing anger or upset.
- Might argue back or demand an apology.
- Might stand their ground, leading to further conflict.
Conversation Starter
- No. Absolutely not. It's an aggressive command used to end interaction.
Intonation
- Sharp, angry, dismissive, or exasperated tone.
- Heavy stress often on HIKE, sometimes on TAKE.
- Why don't you just TAKE A HIKE?!
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, but might sound slightly dated or milder compared to more common vulgar alternatives like piss off or fuck off, especially among younger people.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin and common usage.
- Understood in other English-speaking countries as a rude dismissal.
- Similar native expressions exist elsewhere (e.g., On your bike!, Shove off!, Hop it! in the UK).