Knock it off vs Stop this shit

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Knock it off

InformalTop 3,000 (common)

Stop this shit

SlangBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Knock it offMost common: Knock it off
 Knock it offStop this shit
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //nɒk ɪt ɒf//🇺🇸 //nɑk ɪt ɔf//🇬🇧 //stɒp ðɪs ʃɪt//🇺🇸 //stɑp ðɪs ʃɪt//
MeaningStop doing something annoyingEnd this situation or talk.
ExampleCan you just knock it off with the loud music?I can't take this noise anymore; can you just stop this shit?
RegisterInformalSlang
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocationsknock it off with the jokes, knock it off right now, please knock it offjust stop this shit, seriously stop this shit, everyone stop this shit
Antonymscontinue, persist-
Common mistakesUsing it in formal situations., Confusing it with commands for physical activities., Not understanding the tone can be playful or serious.Using it in formal situations., Confusing 'stop this shit' with softer phrases like 'please stop'., Overusing it, which can reduce its impact.
Usage notesUse this phrase when asking someone to stop a behavior, often in a lighthearted or frustrated tone. It is best suited for casual conversations among friends.This phrase is informal and may be considered rude. Use it only among friends or in casual settings.

See it in real clips

Knock it off
Stop this shit

Frequently asked questions: Knock it off vs Stop this shit

What's the difference between Knock it off and Stop this shit?

Knock it off: Stop doing something annoying Stop this shit: End this situation or talk.

Which is more formal: Knock it off and Stop this shit?

Knock it off is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Knock it off and Stop this shit?

Knock it off is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Knock it off: Can you just knock it off with the loud music? Stop this shit: I can't take this noise anymore; can you just stop this shit?

Can I use Knock it off and Stop this shit interchangeably?

Not always. Knock it off and Stop this shit are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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