1 B1 idiomatic informal
To rudely interrupt a conversation between other people.
"My brother always butts in when I'm trying to talk on the phone — it's so annoying."
butt in
B1 informal intransitive
To rudely interrupt a conversation or interfere in a situation that does not concern you.
In plain English
To push yourself into a conversation or situation when nobody asked for your opinion.
What does "butt in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To interfere in a situation or matter that does not concern you.
"This is a private family decision — please don't butt in."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push with your butt (buttocks) to get in — like an animal using its head to push its way in.
Actually means
To push yourself into a conversation or situation when nobody asked for your opinion.
Usage tip
Always has a negative connotation — the person who butts in is seen as rude or nosy. Common in everyday American and British English. Often used as a complaint: 'Stop butting in!'
Words that pair with "butt in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
conversation discussion argument business line affairs
How to conjugate "butt in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
butt in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
butts in
he/she/it
Past simple
butted in
yesterday
Past participle
butted in
have + pp
-ing form
butting in
continuous
Hear "butt in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "butt in"
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