verb
Uncommon
Kanye
KAN-yay
Kanye (verb) means Informal: to rudely interrupt someone, especially while they are speaking or being honoured. Example: “Don’t kanye me while I’m in the middle of my speech.”
verb
1
Informal: to rudely interrupt someone, especially while they are speaking or being honoured.
"Don’t kanye me while I’m in the middle of my speech."
"The award winner got kanyed halfway through her acceptance speech."
How to use Kanye
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo barge in and interrupt someone, especially at an awkward or inappropriate moment.
When to use it
Very informal internet slang, always referencing the 2009 incident it’s named after.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Kanyes
- Third person singular
- Kanyes
- Past tense
- Kanye'd, Kanyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don’t _____ me while I’m in the middle of my speech.
Etymology
Coined after rapper Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, grabbing the microphone to make his own comment.
Synonyms
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interrupt
cut off
Related words
Rhymes for Kanye
See all rhymes for Kanye →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kanye” mean?
The word “Kanye” means informal: to rudely interrupt someone, especially while they are speaking or being honoured. In plain terms, to barge in and interrupt someone, especially at an awkward or inappropriate moment.
How do you pronounce “Kanye”?
“Kanye” is pronounced KAN-yay (/ˈkɑnjeɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kanye” in a sentence?
Here is “Kanye” used in a sentence: “Don’t kanye me while I’m in the middle of my speech.”
What part of speech is “Kanye”?
“Kanye” is a verb.
Where does the word “Kanye” come from?
The word “Kanye” dates back to around 2009. Coined after rapper Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, grabbing the microphone to make his own comment.
Is “Kanye” a common word?
“Kanye” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What does it mean to Kanye someone?
To "Kanye" someone means to rudely interrupt them, especially while they are speaking or being honoured, such as during an acceptance speech. The term is an informal eponym that references a specific, well-known incident of interrupting a speech.
Is Kanye used as a verb in formal writing?
No, this verb usage of Kanye is informal internet and spoken slang, and would not be appropriate in formal or professional writing.
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