1 B2 idiomatic slang
Vulgar slang: to masturbate.
separable
rub one out
B2 slang separable transitive
Vulgar slang: to masturbate. Also a general informal extension of 'rub out' meaning to eliminate.
In plain English
A rude slang term for masturbating, or informally, to remove or eliminate something.
What does "rub one out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rub something until it is gone — the idiomatic sexual sense diverges significantly from the literal.
Actually means
A rude slang term for masturbating, or informally, to remove or eliminate something.
Usage tip
Vulgar slang, primarily American English. Learners should be aware of this meaning to avoid confusion. The vulgar sense and the 'eliminate' sense are clearly distinguished by context.
How to conjugate "rub one out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rub one out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs one out
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed one out
yesterday
Past participle
rubed one out
have + pp
-ing form
rubing one out
continuous
Hear "rub one out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rub one out" 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.