WordGarden.iogimme
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈɪmi/
US
- /ˈɡɪmi/
Meanings
Phrase
informal spelling or pronunciation of "give me," used to request or demand something
Noun
in golf, a very short putt that others concede as made
something very easy or almost certain to happen or be obtained
Beyond the definition
"Gimme" is a very informal and shortened way of saying "give me." You will hear it all the time in speech, especially from children or in relaxed, emotional moments. Imagine a little kid reaching for a cookie and shouting, "Gimme!" It sounds direct, often impatient, and is usually used when someone wants something right now.
It is not usually used in formal writing, but it is common in casual conversation, song lyrics, and dialogue. You might hear a gruff movie detective bark, "Gimme the facts!" or a playful friend ask, "Gimme a hug!" It often adds a sense of urgency, strong feeling, or a slightly demanding tone.
"Gimme" is a colloquial contraction of "give me," born from the natural speed of informal speech. While not considered standard English, it is deeply embedded in everyday language, particularly in American English. It carries a strong sense of immediacy and often implies a degree of entitlement, impatience, or familiarity between the speakers.
You will almost exclusively hear "gimme" spoken rather than written. Its usage is heavily context-dependent. A child might use "Gimme the toy!" as a simple, unfiltered expression of desire, while an adult using it might be trying to sound forceful, playful, or even intentionally rude. It is also a key component of common idioms; for example, "Gimme a break!" can mean "Leave me alone!" or "I don't believe you!"
The power of "gimme" lies in its bluntness. It cuts through social politeness and gets straight to the point. Authors often use it in dialogue to ground a scene in reality—showing a demanding personality, a hurried situation, or the relaxed relationship between close friends.
Think about how different "Give me the book" sounds compared to "Gimme the book!" The latter is much more abrupt. While technically a non-standard form, "gimme" is a vibrant part of spoken English that adds color, speed, and authenticity to conversations and storytelling.
Examples
- 1
Waiting request
Gimme a second, and I'll be right with you.
- 2
Borrowing request
Gimme your phone for a minute. I want to check the address.
- 3
Phone call
When you land, gimme a call.
- 4
Urgent handoff
Okay, gimme that box before you drop it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Disbelief
Oh, gimme a break, nobody believes that story.
- Phrasegimme a break
said when you think something is silly or not believable
- 6
Easy task
The final interview question was a gimme.
See also
Similar
- give me
- hand me
- pass me
Shades of meaning
- let me have
Contrast
- take this
- please may I have
Do not confuse
- lemme
Used with (collocations)
- gimme a break
- gimme a chance
- gimme five
- gimme that
Explore
- imperative mood
- eye dialect
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- gimme