Cool MateChill out vs Play it cool
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chill out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Play it cool
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Chill out
| Chill out | Play it cool | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɪl aʊt//🇺🇸 //tʃɪl aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //pleɪ ɪt kuːl//🇺🇸 //pleɪ ɪt kul// |
| Meaning | Calm down and relax. | Stay calm and relaxed. |
| Example | You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. | When you meet her parents, just play it cool. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | chill out time, chill out period, chill out zone | play it cool under pressure, play it cool in situations, play it cool with friends |
| Common mistakes | 'Chill out' is often confused with 'cool off', but the meanings can slightly differ., Some learners use 'chill out' in a serious context, which may sound inappropriate., Using 'chill out' as a command can come off as rude. | Using in overly formal situations., Confusing with 'act cool', which has a slightly different meaning., Not using it to advise others; it can imply a suggestion. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chill out' in casual conversations to suggest someone should relax. Avoid in formal contexts. | Use this phrase when advising someone to remain composed in a stressful situation. It's casual and often used among friends. Not appropriate in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chill out vs Play it cool
What's the difference between Chill out and Play it cool?
Chill out: Calm down and relax. Play it cool: Stay calm and relaxed.
Which is more common: Chill out and Play it cool?
Chill out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Chill out: You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. Play it cool: When you meet her parents, just play it cool.
Can I use Chill out and Play it cool interchangeably?
Not always. Chill out and Play it cool 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.