Are you looking for a phrase to tell someone that you wish they would do what you want instead of what they want? You could use "suit yourself" as a subtle indicator for them to comply with your request. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "suit yourself" means that you can do whatever you want. However, it's a subtle phrase suggesting that the person saying it to you would prefer it if you did what they want.
If you're at home and your mom asks you to come with her to the park, but you say you want to stay home and play video games, she may reply, "suit yourself."
While mom might be giving you an out, she's letting you know that she's not happy with your choice. She's waiting for you to say that you'll stop playing games and go with her to the park.
You can also use it in a positive connotation to tell the person that you agree with what they want to do, although this is the less common use of the expression.
Example Usage
“If you want to go to the concert yourself, suit yourself. I’ll just be chilling here at home with a bottle of wine, doing nothing by myself.”
“Suit yourself, but I’m taking the high road, and I’m looking to flag down a car. I’m not spending the night out here.”
“If that’s what you want, fine, suit yourself. I’ll go to church, and you can all sit here playing video games. We’ll see what Santa Claus thinks of that.”
“It’s really no problem, suit yourself. If you don’t want my coffee, then go ahead and order some from Starbucks.”
“Suit yourself, pal, I gave you the opportunity to get out of here early, and you spit it back in my face like it was nothing.”
What do you mean you want to stay out here while everyone else goes back to camp? Suit yourself, but I think that’s a mistake.”
Origin
“Suit yourself” was a common expression in England in the 1500s. Initially, the phrase meant to “please oneself.” “Suit” in conversation can mean convenient or agreeable. The agreeableness definition traces back to the noun “suit.” A suit refers to a matching set of garments that fit the wearer.
So, to “suit yourself” is a direct way of telling someone to do an activity that pleases them. However, in its idiomatic use, “suit yourself” refers to the negative connotation of the expression. Telling someone to “suit themselves” means you don’t want them to do what they want, and you would prefer it if they succumbed to doing what you want instead.
The first appearance of the saying is in “The Serpent of Venice,” written by Christopher Moore, where it appears as follows.
“Fine, as the tailor said to the broke and naked knight, suit yo
Phrases Similar to Suit Yourself
- Don’t do that.
- I wish you wouldn’t.
Phrases Opposite to Suit Yourself
- Go ahead then.
- I wish you would.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Suit yourself.
Ways People May Say Suit Yourself Incorrectly
The phrase has nothing to do with dress suits. Using it to describe the action of “suiting up” is incorrect. This phrase tells someone that you disagree with what they want to do, and you want them to do what you want.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Suit Yourself
You can use “suit yourself” to let someone know that they can do what they want, even if you don’t agree with them. It’s a subtle way of telling someone that you would rather they do what you want. The phrase suits professional and social use.
Use it at work when a salesperson asks you if they can rearrange their client file after you tell them it will give them more work. Use it at home when your kids say they would rather stay home and play video games than come with you to the park.