Are you looking for a short retort to someone that’s teasing you? You can use “bite me” to let them know that they should stay away from you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression “bite me” is the shorter version of “bite me in the ass.” Since many idioms receive abbreviations, it’s not surprising to see that this version is more popular in language than the longer variant.
When you say “bite me” to someone, you’re using it as a retort to them teasing or insulting you. It’s a way of showing someone that you don’t care what they think about you or what they have to say. “Bite me” is a sharper way of telling someone to go away.
Example Usage
“Oh Sally, bite me. You have no idea what you’re talking about or what I’m doing with my life. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t even exist. Leave me alone.”
“Bite me, Barry. You didn’t have to say that in front of everyone. You know I wanted to keep that private. So much for depending on you.”
“I told him to bite me. He’s an annoying SOB, and I’m tired of him always pushing people around. I don’t care if I have to see him every morning. I’m going to let him know how I feel.”
“If you think you’re going to get me to do that, you can bite me. I’m not putting myself at risk so you can look good in front of your girlfriend.”
“Oh, so you think you can get away with that? Well, bite me. I will make sure that you never work in this town again.”
“Bite me, sonny boy. There’s nothing you can do about it. Stand there and wait until we take you to jail.”
Origin
The expression “bite me” originates from American college campuses in the 1980s. According to the Green’s Dictionary of Slang, “bite me!” has the same meaning as “bite me in the ass.” The dictionary states it labels it an exclamation of a generally dismissive or derogatory nature.
The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang claims “bite me” is similar to expressions like “go to hell” or “piss off” and other vulgar terms.
The first appearance of “bite my butt” in print was in 1958, and “bite me in the ass” appeared for the first time in writing in 1963.
The first recorded examples come from the 80s and 90s.
“The insult category consisted of … gaywad, bite me, doofy, dork, mutt” (“With the Boys,” a 1987 study by sociologist Gary A. Fine.
“Ah, bite me!” (from the movie Wayne’s World, written by Mike Myers in 1997).
Phrases Similar to Bite Me
- Bite me in the ass.
- F off.
- Eat me.
- Screw you.
Phrases Opposite to Bite Me
- Thanks a lot.
- I appreciate it.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Bite me.
Ways People May Say Bite Me Incorrectly
When you use “bite me” to respond to someone insulting or teasing you, you’re not asking them to physically bite you. It’s a way of telling them to go away, and you don’t want to see them right now. You can use the expression when someone is walking away from you or when you choose to walk away from the engagement.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Bite Me
You can use the phrase “bite me” when you want to give someone a nasty retort to an insult or an irritating question. It’s a way of telling them that you don’t want anything to do with them or what they have to say or think about you.
The phrase suits social use, and it's improper for professional communications. You could use it at home when your sister is teasing you, or you could use it when you’re out with friends, and one of them insults you or makes fun of you for something you do or say.