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# not to be rude, but

phrase (sentence opener)

«not to be rude, but» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday) what I am going to say next is rude, but I'll say it anyway.
2. (literal) I do not want to be rude.

### In the lessons

People use it before a rude or blunt remark to soften it; listeners usually expect something rude to follow. Everyday register, all English-speaking countries; common in chat and gossip.

### Examples

- Not to be rude, but your music is really loud.
- Not to be rude, but who invited you?
- Not to be rude, but I need to leave now.
- Not to be rude, but that's the worst pizza I've ever eaten.
- Not to be rude, but can you move your bag off my seat?
- Not to be rude, but you've got spinach in your teeth.

### Note

Like «no offence, but», it usually comes before rudeness, not instead of it. Sometimes it is a polite way to interrupt. Plain meaning: I'm going to be rude.