Decline vs We're not gonna store the motherfucker

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Decline

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb

We're not gonna store the motherfucker

VulgarTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: DeclineMost common: Decline
 DeclineWe're not gonna store the motherfucker
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈklaɪn/","/dɪˈklaɪnz/","/dɪˈklaɪnd/","/dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //wɪə nɒt ˈɡɒnə stɔː ðə ˈmʌðəfʌkə//🇺🇸 //wɪr nɑt ˈɡɑnə stɔr ði ˈmʌðərˌfʌkər//
Meaningto say no to something or to become less.We will not keep that person.
ExampleShe decided to decline the invitation to the party.We're not gonna store the motherfucker in our minds anymore.
RegisterNeutralVulgar
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsconsiderably, dramatically, drastically, by, from, to, decline in importance, numbers, size, etc., politely, respectfullynot gonna store, store the item, keep the person
Antonymsaccept, agree, approve-
Common mistakesConfused with 'refuse' - 'decline' can sound more polite., Using 'decline' without an object (e.g., 'I will decline' is incomplete without specifying what)., Mistaking 'decline' for a physical action rather than a polite refusal.Using 'gonna' in formal writing when it should be 'going to'., Confusing 'store' with 'keep' or 'save' in different contexts., Misinterpreting 'motherfucker' as just an insult without understanding its emphatic usage.
Usage notesUse 'decline' in formal settings to refuse an offer or request. In informal contexts, 'turn down' is more common. Don't confuse 'decline' with 'decrease'—the former involves refusal, while the latter refers to reduction.Use in informal settings among friends. Avoid in formal or professional contexts due to vulgar language.

See it in real clips

We're not gonna store the motherfucker

Frequently asked questions: Decline vs We're not gonna store the motherfucker

What's the difference between Decline and We're not gonna store the motherfucker?

Decline: to say no to something or to become less. We're not gonna store the motherfucker: We will not keep that person.

Which is more formal: Decline and We're not gonna store the motherfucker?

Decline is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Decline and We're not gonna store the motherfucker?

Decline is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Decline: She decided to decline the invitation to the party. We're not gonna store the motherfucker: We're not gonna store the motherfucker in our minds anymore.

Can I use Decline and We're not gonna store the motherfucker interchangeably?

Not always. Decline and We're not gonna store the motherfucker are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.