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I just read this question

I need one-word expression for "Ignoring someone intentionally"

and am looking for something similar, an idiom or one word I think I have heard many times in sitcoms and shows aimed at adolescents.

Situation: two people, A and B, have been on a date. Afterwards A wants to, and B doesn't want to, meet again. A calls/texts/IMs B and B just ignores (or blocks) these contact attempts rather than telling A that (s)he has no interest in further contact.

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  • I think I am looking for "the silent treatment" but I appreciate other suggestions.
    – d-b
    Commented May 15, 2018 at 10:11
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    Idiomatically, giving someone the cold-shoulder
    – JonLarby
    Commented May 15, 2018 at 10:12
  • Then use the idiom 'silent treatment' if you like it.
    – lbf
    Commented May 15, 2018 at 10:25
  • To 'blank' : British slang : to behave in an unfriendly way toward (someone you have been friendly with in the past) : to ignore or refuse to talk to (someone) Learners Dictionary
    – Nigel J
    Commented May 15, 2018 at 11:41

1 Answer 1

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Ghosting

Google dictionary defines it as:

the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone by suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication. "I thought ghosting was a horrible dating habit reserved for casual flings"

It's a relatively new term and seems to have emerged to describe communications specifically including social media.

"The silent treatment" and "the cold shoulder" are more akin to "sulking" and imply (to me) a temporary cessation of communication with a friend, whereas ghosting seems more permanent and to apply to short term relationships.

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  • Ghosting was the word I was looking for. Thank you.
    – d-b
    Commented May 15, 2018 at 11:13

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