- A rude and defiant expression used to dismiss someone or express contempt, anger, or annoyance.
- Essentially means Go away, Leave me alone, I don't care what you think, or can be a general insult similar to Screw you.
Explanation
Origin
- Uncertain origin, but likely emerged as a generally offensive, dismissive retort in American English during the 20th century.
- The imagery is vaguely aggressive (like an animal bite) but it's used purely as a verbal insult.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Rude):
- Whatever. (Dismissive, less aggressive)
- Suck it. (Vulgar)
- Kick rocks. (Slang, 'go away')
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck off.
- Go fuck yourself.
- Eat shit.
Milder/Standard (Expressing annoyance/dismissal more politely):
- Leave me alone.
- That's enough.
- I don't want to discuss this.
- Mind your own business.
Situational Appropriateness
- Very informal and rude/aggressive.
- Used in arguments or situations of high frustration/anger.
- Completely inappropriate in polite conversation, formal settings, professional environments, or when speaking to authority figures.
- Using it will likely damage relationships or escalate conflict.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Should not be taken literally. It's purely an insult.
- Learners MUST understand this is highly rude and aggressive. Using it inappropriately could have serious social consequences. It's important to recognize it as offensive when heard.
Examples
- Person A: You parked your car really badly. Person B: Bite me.
- Person A: You shouldn't wear that shirt, it looks terrible. Person B: Oh yeah? Bite me.
- Person A: I told you not to do that! Person B: Whatever. Bite me.
Dialogue
Alex: You're always late! We were supposed to meet ten minutes ago.
Jamie: Traffic was bad, okay? Get off my back.
Alex: It's always something with you. You need to be more responsible.
Jamie: Bite me, Alex.
Alex: Wow, okay. Forget I said anything.
Social Media Examples
- Often seen in heated online arguments: User A posts criticism. User B replies: Don't like my opinion? Bite me.
- Aggressive comment: To everyone hating on this post, bite me. 🖕
- Used more playfully/ironically among close friends (use with caution): Friend 1 teases Friend 2. Friend 2 replies: lol bite me 😉 (Tone is crucial here and easily misread online).
Response Patterns
- Often escalates conflict. The person told to Bite me might get angry, insult back, or walk away.
- Might be met with shock or offense.
- Sometimes ignored if the recipient doesn't want to escalate.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Often followed by the speaker walking away or turning their back.
- Can lead to an argument (What did you just say to me?).
- The recipient might simply stop interacting with the speaker.
Conversation Starter
- Absolutely not. It's a hostile response used mid-conflict or as a dismissal.
Intonation
- Delivered with an angry, defiant, or contemptuous tone.
- Usually sharp and forceful. BITE me.
- Can be muttered under the breath or said directly and aggressively.
Generation Differences
- Understood by most generations, though perhaps more associated with teenage/young adult angst or general defiant attitudes. Less likely to be used by older generations in serious contexts.
Regional Variations
- Primarily North American, but understood in other English-speaking regions due to media influence. Equivalents like Piss off are more common in UK/Aus.