ain’t it

phrase

Etymology

Formed by compounding ain't + the noun it, with reference to negating the preceding subject of the phrase. See ODAAE ain't, OED it, n.

Meaning & use

  1. grammar
    1915–A way of expressing that the subject is unwanted, undesirable, unfavorable or incorrect.
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    1915
    This ain't it...not even close. What was I thinking that you'd have my back and stand up for me?
    A. Conan Doyle Valley of Fear ii. vii. 287
    1920
    Instead of allowing your issues to take over you, you need to get in front of them and figure out a better way because this ain't it.
    Daily Telegraph 12 August 4/5
    1925
    ima have to go to the ER tuesday [sic] for these migraines bc these ain't it
    Glasgow Herald 7 September 11
    1926
    I know I'm part of the Sad Generation but I don't want to be sad anymore depression ain't it...
    D. H. Lawrence Plumed Serpent xiv. 229
    1928
    On another note I don't think I'll ever be satisfied with wings anywhere but buffalo. These ain't it Breh.
    Forestry 2 73
    1947
    My baby is hella sick. Man this ain't it.
    Penguin New Writing 30 127
    1966
    Whatever happened to beating a bitch ass? Girl, I will help you find them bitches and whoop them hoes, because this ain't it.
    Times 21 April
    1987
    One can never see Dr. King's dream as he dreamed it, and unfortunately he is not here to describe it more vividly. There is no doubt as we look around these days at Bensonhurst, Los Angeles, Howard Beach, and Miami...This ain't it!
    Z. Masani Indian Tales of Raj 13
    1992
    yah grad school ain't it. imma still finish tho
    Vancouver Sun Nexis 25 March b5
    1996
    I used to be a boneless wings kind of person, but naaaah. Those ain't it, chief.
    Vancouver Sun Nexis 15 February a16
    1996
    i hate running into anyone tbh lmao small talk ain't it
    Daily Bruin UCLA 9 October 20/1

See also