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What is a Funny Word for Fired?

Published in Employment Terminology 2 mins read

Many informal and often amusing terms are used to describe being dismissed from a job. These terms often rely on vivid imagery or colloquial expressions to convey the idea of termination in a less formal, sometimes humorous, way.

Some commonly used funny or informal words for being fired include:

  • Sacked: A widely recognized British term for being dismissed.
  • Dumped: Implies a sudden and unceremonious termination, much like being discarded.
  • Bounced out: Suggests a forceful and often immediate removal from the premises or position.
  • Canned: A colloquial American term, often implying a quick and decisive dismissal.
  • Axed: Pertains to being cut or eliminated from a position, similar to an item being chopped.
  • Eighty-sixed (86'd): Originating from restaurant slang, it means to get rid of something or someone, often permanently.
  • Given the old heave-ho: Describes a forceful or unceremonious removal, suggesting one is literally pushed out.

These terms, while not strictly "funny" in a comedic sense, are often used informally and can lighten the tone of a difficult subject due to their colorful and indirect nature. They act as dysphemisms, offering an unvarnished or even exaggerated take on the formal act of termination.

Common Informal Terms for Job Termination

Here's a breakdown of some of these terms and their general meaning in the context of employment:

Informal Term Contextual Meaning / Implication
Sacked Dismissed from employment; widely used in British English.
Dumped Terminated abruptly and often without much ceremony.
Bounced out Forcibly or quickly removed from a position or premises.
Canned Fired, often suddenly and decisively; a common American colloquialism.
Axed Eliminated from a role or position, much like cutting off something.
Eighty-sixed (86'd) To be gotten rid of or expelled; originated from service industries.
Given the old heave-ho To be forcefully or unceremoniously removed or dismissed.

These expressions highlight the diverse and often creative ways people describe job loss in an informal setting.