shut up
/ʃʌt ʌp/
Meaning
In casual slang and pop culture, this is used as an exclamation of disbelief, shock, or excitement, similar to 'No way!' or 'Are you serious?'. It is friendly and informal, not a rude command to stop talking.
Examples
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You won the lottery? Shut up! I don't believe you!
You won the lottery? Shut up! I don't believe you!
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Shut up! There is no way he actually said that to the boss!
Shut up! There is no way he actually said that to the boss!
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Wait, you met Keanu Reeves at the airport? Shut up, that is so cool!
Wait, you met Keanu Reeves at the airport? Shut up, that is so cool!
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Oh, shut up, you did not get a perfect score without studying!
Oh, shut up, you did not get a perfect score without studying!
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She told me she's getting married next month, and I was just like, 'Shut up!'
She told me she's getting married next month, and I was just like, 'Shut up!'
Common Mistakes
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✗ He told me he bought a new car and I said him to shut up.
✓ He told me he bought a new car and I told him, 'Shut up!'
When used as an exclamation of disbelief, it must be direct speech. Saying 'I told him to shut up' sounds like you rudely ordered him to be quiet.
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✗ Shut up your mouth, I don't believe you!
✓ Shut up! I don't believe you!
Adding 'your mouth' turns this playful slang exclamation into a highly offensive and aggressive command.
Related Expressions
Practice
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A: 'I just got promoted!' B: '___! That is amazing news!'
💡 An exclamation of happy disbelief.
Show answer
Shut up
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A: 'I ran into your ex yesterday.' B: '___! Where did you see him?'
💡 Use the slang phrase that expresses shock or surprise.
Show answer
Shut up