Browse all

rub one off

C1 slang separable transitive

Vulgar slang: an act of (typically male) masturbation.

In plain English

A very rude, informal way of talking about masturbation.

What does "rub one off" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 idiomatic slang

Vulgar slang: to masturbate.

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To rub something off — the idiomatic leap to the vulgar meaning is significant.

Actually means

A very rude, informal way of talking about masturbation.

Usage tip

Vulgar slang. Inappropriate in formal or professional contexts. Encountered in informal conversation, comedy, and some media. Learners should be aware of this meaning to avoid misunderstanding but should exercise caution in its use.

How to conjugate "rub one off"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
rub one off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs one off
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed one off
yesterday
Past participle
rubed one off
have + pp
-ing form
rubing one off
continuous

Hear "rub one off" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "rub one off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.