Hit on someone
/hɪt ɒn ˈsʌmwʌn/informalUK · US
What does “Hit on someone” mean?
Hit on someone means to show someone that you are romantically or sexually interested in them
If someone keeps finding reasons to talk to you and asks for your number, you might wonder whether they are hitting on you. Being friendly alone does not prove it.
“Hit on an idea” has a different meaning: to think of or discover it. The person or thing after “on” helps you tell the meanings apart.
When do people say it?
An informal way to describe making an advance. It can describe welcome flirting or unwanted attention; the situation tells you which.
“I thought she was asking for directions, but she was hitting on me.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
The romantic meaning does not involve striking anyone. It is a separate use of “hit on”; its exact origin is uncertain.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Hit on someone” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-13