Nixed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nixed

[nɪkst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cancellation, informal

The term 'nixed' is a slang verb that means to cancel, terminate, or reject something. Often used in informal contexts, it suggests a decisive action to stop or eliminate a plan or idea.

Synonyms

cancelled, disallowed, rejected, terminated.

Examples of usage

  • They nixed the proposal after the meeting.
  • Her plan for a vacation was nixed by her boss.
  • The management nixed the idea of a company party this year.
  • He nixed the idea of moving to a new city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'nixed' has appeared in various films and songs, becoming part of the everyday lexicon.
  • In the TV show 'Friends,' characters often used terms like 'nixed' to highlight disagreements or changes in plans.
  • It's also featured in popular music, such as lyrics that reflect on thwarted plans or ideas.

Psychology

  • Telling someone something is 'nixed' can lead to stress or resistance, as it represents a loss of options.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when people have to adjust to a 'nixed' idea they were emotionally attached to.
  • Understanding the concept of 'nixed' may help in conflict resolution by providing clarity around boundaries.

Business & Technology

  • In business decisions, 'nixed' often refers to proposals that are rejected after strategy meetings.
  • More tech-savvy individuals might say an idea was 'nixed' during brainstorming sessions for apps or projects.
  • The term also appears in startup culture, where ideas are frequently 'nixed' to streamline operations.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'nixed' to create tension in stories, signaling that a character's plan has failed.
  • This word is frequently found in dialogues, enhancing the authenticity of conversational styles.
  • In contemporary poetry, 'nixed' often symbolizes lost dreams or ambitions that can no longer be pursued.

Origin of 'nixed'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Nix' comes from the German 'nichts,' meaning 'nothing.' Over time, it evolved to express denial.
  • The term gained popularity in the United States in the early 20th century, often used in informal contexts.
  • Widespread by the 1950s in American slang, reflecting a cultural shift towards more casual language.

The word 'nix' originated from the German word 'nichts', meaning 'nothing'. It entered the English language in the early 20th century and was used in American slang to imply a rejection or no-go decision. Over the years, 'nixed' became a colloquial term in various English-speaking regions, especially in the United States, to denote the act of saying no or cancelling plans. This slang term is often associated with informal contexts, appearing frequently in spoken conversations and casual writing. Its use reflects a certain playful or dismissive attitude toward the ideas, propositions, or plans being discussed. The etymology reveals how language evolves through cultural exchanges, as languages borrow terms and adapt them to fit their own social and communicative needs.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,931, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.