"Kick It" Explained: Your Guide to Using This Common English Slang
Ever heard someone say they're going to "kick it" and wondered what they meant? If you're learning English and want to sound like a native, understanding common phrases like this is key. "Kick It" is a popular piece of informal English, especially in American slang, that you'll hear in movies, music, and everyday conversations. This guide will break down its meaning, show you how to use it, and help you add this versatile phrase to your vocabulary building toolkit. Let's get started!
Table of Contents
- What Does “Kick It” Mean?
- Context and Usage of “Kick It”
- Example Sentences with “Kick It”
- Related Slang Words
- Conclusion
What Does “Kick It” Mean?
"Kick It" is a versatile English slang phrase. Its most common meaning is to relax, hang out, or spend time casually with friends, often without a specific plan. Think of it as simply enjoying someone's company or passing the time in a laid-back way.
The general feeling conveyed by "Kick It" is positive and informal. It suggests a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere. It’s not about intense activity, but rather about unwinding and enjoying the moment. This phrase is a great example of modern slang that makes your English sound more natural and up-to-date. Understanding the definition of "Kick It" is the first step to using it confidently.
More: 'Chill': What It Means and How to Use This Essential English Slang
Context and Usage of “Kick It”
Understanding when and how to use "Kick It" is crucial for real-life usage. This phrase isn't typically found in formal essays or business meetings; it's a star player in informal English.
Who usually says it?
- Young adults and teenagers are frequent users.
- You'll hear it among friends and peers.
- It’s common in American slang but understood in many English-speaking regions, partly thanks to pop culture.
In what settings?
- Casual conversations: "What are you doing this weekend? Wanna kick it?"
- Informal gatherings: Parties, get-togethers, or just chilling at someone's house.
- Online chats and social media: "Anyone free to kick it later?"
- Pop culture: You'll frequently encounter this phrase in song lyrics (especially hip-hop and R&B), movies, and TV shows.
Tone:
- Casual and Relaxed: The primary tone. It implies no pressure and a comfortable vibe.
- Friendly: It's often used as an invitation or a suggestion among people who know each other.
- Cool: Using it correctly can make you sound more like a native speaker and in tune with contemporary English slang words.
It's important to remember the context. While "Kick It" is friendly, you probably wouldn't say it to your new boss or a very formal acquaintance until you have a more relaxed rapport. Mastering such nuances helps in vocabulary building for conversational English.
More: Hang Out Explained: Ultimate Guide to This Essential English Slang
Example Sentences with “Kick It”
Seeing the phrase in action helps solidify its meaning. Here are a few examples of how you might hear or use this phrase in everyday conversations:
Example 1:
- Person A: "I'm so glad the exams are finally over!"
- Person B: "Me too! We should totally kick it at my place this Friday to celebrate."
Example 2:
- Person A: "What did you do last night?"
- Person B: "Nothing much, just kicked it with Sarah and watched a movie."
Example 3:
- Person A: "Are you busy tomorrow afternoon?"
- Person B: "Not really, why? Got any plans?"
- Person A: "Nah, just thought we could kick it at the park if the weather's nice."
Example 4:
- Person A: "This party is kind of boring."
- Person B: "Yeah, let's grab a few friends and go kick it somewhere else."
Example 5 (Slightly different usage - to start something, less common but seen in music):
- DJ: "Alright everyone, you ready to party? Let's kick it!"
- (Note: This usage, meaning 'to begin' or 'to start performing,' is often associated with music or performances, like A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It?". However, the 'relax/hang out' meaning is far more common in general conversation for ESL learners to focus on.)
Focusing on the "relax and hang out" meaning is best for everyday real-life usage.
Related Slang Words
English slang is rich with ways to talk about relaxing and spending time together. If you like "Kick It," you might also find these common phrases useful:
| Related Slang | Meaning & When to Use It | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Hang out | To spend time relaxing or socializing informally. Very common. | "Let's hang out at the mall on Saturday." |
| Chill / Chill out | To relax, take it easy. Often implies unwinding. | "I'm just going to chill at home tonight." |
| Vibe | To relax and enjoy oneself, often in a particular atmosphere. | "We were just vibing to some good music." |
| Take it easy | To relax and not exert oneself. | "After a long week, I just want to take it easy." |
| Shoot the breeze | To chat casually about unimportant things. | "We spent the afternoon shooting the breeze by the lake." |
According to Merriam-Webster, "kick it" can mean "to spend time idly or in relaxing." This confirms its widespread use for casual relaxation.
Conclusion
So, now you know! "Kick It" is a cool, casual English slang phrase that means to relax, hang out, or spend time with friends. It's a fantastic addition to your vocabulary if you want to sound more like a native speaker and understand informal English, especially American slang. Using phrases like "Kick It" correctly can make your conversations feel more natural and engaging.
Remember, context is key. Use it with friends and in informal settings. Now that you've learned its meaning and how to use this slang, try to spot it in movies or music!
What about you? Can you make a sentence using "Kick It"? Share your example in the comments below! We'd love to see how you're using modern slang. And if you're keen on more English slang words, check out our other articles!