crush-on
/krʌʃ ɒn/ IELTSAcademic
phrase
to have romantic feelings for someone, especially for a short time and without telling them. It is usually used in the phrase “have a crush on someone.”
- She has a crush on her classmate.
- Do you have a crush on anyone?
- He had a crush on his English teacher.
Adinary Nuance
A crush on someone is lighter and less serious than love. It is more private and often more temporary than admiration or attraction. Use it when feelings are romantic, but not yet a real relationship. For one person, say “a crush on someone,” not just “crush-on.”
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cảm nắng
- Spanish
- tener un flechazo
- Chinese
- 迷恋
- Japanese
- 恋心
- Korean
- 짝사랑
Etymology
Crush comes from English slang in the late 1800s, meaning strong romantic liking. The phrase has been used in modern English for a long time, especially in casual speech.
Common phrases
have a crush ona secret crush ona school crush on
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is “have a crush on” formal or informal?
- It is informal and very common in spoken English.
- What is the difference between “crush” and “love”?
- A crush is usually shorter, lighter, and less serious than love.
- Can I say “I crush-on him”?
- No. Say “I have a crush on him.”
- Is this used for adults too?
- Yes, but it often sounds casual and personal.