get a life

American English INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase get a life

Meaning

This is a harsh thing to say if you're annoyed with someone whose life seems dull or limited.

For example

  • "All you do is work and make money. Get a life, why don't you?"

  • Jake played computer games day and night, so his brother said, "Get a life, Jake! Go out and make some friends."

Note:
This can sound quite aggressive and critical, so be careful when using it.

Variety

This is typically used in American English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

He said, "Get a life!" He was telling me to

a. take someone's life

b. live my life as usual

c. become more active
a) take someone's life b) live my life as usual c) become more active

Contributor: Matt Errey