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Expressing dislike

There are many ways of saying that you don't like something in English.

Here are ten of the more idiomatic phrases that we use to say that something is not to our taste.

Ten ways to say you don't like something

casual · neutral · formal

  1. I'm not too keen on Hindi movies.neutralI'm not too keen on Hindi movies. They're too long for me.
  2. I'm not a big fan of Hindi movies.casualI'm not a big fan of Hindi movies, but my sister loves them.
  3. I can't work up any enthusiasm for it.neutralCricket again? I can't work up any enthusiasm for it.
  4. I'm not particularly fond of Hindi movies.neutralI'm not particularly fond of Hindi movies.
  5. I can't stand it/I really hate it.casualstrongLoud music on the bus? I can't stand it.
  6. Hindi movies -- I can take it or leave it.casualHindi movies? I can take it or leave it.
  7. Hindi movies leave me cold.casualHindi movies leave me cold.
  8. I can't see what all the fuss is about.casualEveryone loves that phone, but I can't see what all the fuss is about.
  9. I'm afraid it doesn't appeal to me.formalThank you for the invitation, but I'm afraid it doesn't appeal to me.
  10. I would rather cut off my right arm than...casualstrongI would rather cut off my right arm than watch that film again.

How to use them

  • are quite informal phrases. The level of dislike is not very strong. The speaker will probably agree to watch Hindi movies but won't enjoy it very much.
  • In , the speaker is saying that she doesn't feel anything about Hindi movies. This is more formal.
  • are very strong. The speaker really does not want to ever watch Hindi movies again.
  • are quite informal and saying that Hindi movies doesn't cause any emotion or reaction from the speaker. This is dismissive and considered quite negative.
  • is more formal and is saying that the speaker doesn't enjoy Hindi movies. This is a reasonably polite way of saying that you don't like something.
  • is an exaggerated and humorous way of saying the speaker really, really hates something. It can also be quite impolite if used at the wrong time.

Quick check

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  1. Which phrase is the strongest?

  2. "I can take it or leave it" means:

  3. You turn down a business invitation politely. Which phrase fits?

See also: Preferring things · "It's boring!"

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Expressing disappointment

Sometimes you are expecting something to be good and in the end it is less good than you were expecting.

Showing anger

Here are some things that people often say when they're angry or annoyed at something.

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