Browse all

pop off

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To suddenly leave a place, say something angrily without thinking, or (informally) to die.

Literal meaning: 'Pop' suggests a sudden, explosive action; 'off' indicates departure or discharge — the senses branch from these two core ideas.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To leave a place suddenly or quickly.

"Sorry, I have to pop off — I'm late for my dentist appointment."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To speak impulsively, angrily, or aggressively, especially without thinking first.

"He popped off at his manager during the meeting and later had to apologise."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal

(Euphemistic, informal) To die.

"The old gentleman popped off quietly in his sleep at the age of ninety-four."

Grammar: inseparable
4 C1 idiomatic informal

To fire a gun or shoot something.

"The soldiers popped off a few rounds during the training exercise."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Has several distinct senses depending on context: departure, angry speech, or death (the death sense is a British euphemism). Also used to mean firing a gun. Context is essential for correct interpretation. The 'angry outburst' sense is common in American English.

Commonly used with

angrily suddenly quickly meeting gun loudly

Forms

Base
pop off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops off
he/she/it
Past simple
poped off
yesterday
Past participle
poped off
have + pp
-ing form
poping off
continuous

Understand "pop off" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "pop off" on Looplines