hard pass

A hard pass is a firm, no-chance-of-changing-my-mind “no.” It’s a polite-sounding but definite way to turn something down.

What hard pass means

Merriam-Webster defines it as a firm refusal or rejection of something, such as an offer. The “hard” is what matters. A plain “pass” leaves a little room; a hard pass shuts the door. People use it for invitations, dating apps, food, business pitches and anything else they want nothing to do with. Its gentler opposite, a “soft pass,” means “probably not, but ask me again later.”

Examples

• “Karaoke at 2 a.m.? Hard pass.”
• “He asked if I wanted to split a timeshare. Hard pass.”
• “Cilantro ice cream is a hard pass for me.”

Where it came from

“Pass” has meant declining a turn or an offer for a long time, from card games to Hollywood pitches. Merriam-Webster gives “hard pass” a first known use of 2014, when the phrase took off as a quick, slightly funny way to say no online.

Don’t confuse it with the other “hard pass”: Wiktionary notes it’s also the name of the permanent security badge that lets reporters and staff into the White House, and in sports it can just mean a pass thrown with a lot of force.

Related terms

• This ain’t it: this isn’t good.
• Say less: the opposite, “I’m in.”
• Red flag: a reason for a hard pass in dating.
• Ick: sudden turn-off.

See more terms like this in our Gen Z slang guide.