Cool MateCalm down vs Keep chillin
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Calm down
Top 1,000 (very common)
Keep chillin
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Calm downMost common: Calm down
| Calm down | Keep chillin | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kɑːm daʊn//🇺🇸 //kɑm daʊn// | 🇬🇧 //kiːp ˈtʃɪlɪn//🇺🇸 //kip ˈtʃɪlɪn// |
| Meaning | To relax or stop being upset. | Stay relaxed and calm. |
| Example | You need to calm down before we continue this discussion. | After a long week, I just want to keep chillin this weekend. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | calm down the situation, calm down emotions, calm down quickly | keep chillin with friends, keep chillin and enjoy, keep chillin at home |
| Antonyms | agitate, excite, disturb | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Calm down' can be used for things instead of people, which is incorrect., Confusing 'calm down' with 'cool off', which has a slightly different meaning., Using 'calm down' too aggressively can make someone feel worse. | Using in formal situations where a more serious expression is needed., Confusing with 'keep cool', which has a similar but slightly different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use in situations where someone is anxious or angry. It’s neutral in tone, appropriate for friends, family, or colleagues, but can seem dismissive if not delivered carefully. | Used among friends to encourage relaxation or to continue enjoying a situation. Not suitable for formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Calm down vs Keep chillin
What's the difference between Calm down and Keep chillin?
Calm down: To relax or stop being upset. Keep chillin: Stay relaxed and calm.
Which is more formal: Calm down and Keep chillin?
Calm down is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Calm down and Keep chillin?
Calm down is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Calm down: You need to calm down before we continue this discussion. Keep chillin: After a long week, I just want to keep chillin this weekend.
Can I use Calm down and Keep chillin interchangeably?
Not always. Calm down and Keep chillin 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.