Is hit the sack formal or informal?

It is informal. Use it in conversation, not in formal reports or essays.

What is the difference between hit the sack and go to bed?

Both mean to sleep, but hit the sack sounds more casual and spoken.

Can I use hit the sack in business writing?

Usually no. It sounds too informal for business emails or academic writing.

← Dictionary

hit-the-sack

/hɪt ðə sæk/

IELTSAcademic

idiom

to go to bed, usually because you are tired and want to sleep. It is informal and often used in speech.

I'm exhausted, so I'm hitting the sack early.
You should hit the sack now.
After the long trip, we all hit the sack.

Adinary Nuance

Hit the sack is more casual than go to bed and much more informal than retire. It sounds natural in conversation, but not in formal writing. Use it when you want a relaxed, everyday way to say someone is going to sleep.

In other languages

Vietnamese: đi ngủ
Spanish: irse a la cama
Chinese: 上床睡觉
Japanese: 寝る
Korean: 자러 가다

Etymology

This American English idiom appeared in the early 1900s. It refers to old mattresses or sacks filled with straw, which were used as beds.

Common phrases

hit the sack earlytime to hit the sackbefore I hit the sack

Synonyms

go to bed turn in bed down

Related words

sleep bedtime rest

Frequently asked questions

Is hit the sack formal or informal?: It is informal. Use it in conversation, not in formal reports or essays.
What is the difference between hit the sack and go to bed?: Both mean to sleep, but hit the sack sounds more casual and spoken.
Can I use hit the sack in business writing?: Usually no. It sounds too informal for business emails or academic writing.