get a kick out of
Meaning
To enjoy something a lot or find it amusing; to get pleasure or entertainment from it.
Origin
From the literal sense of a โkickโ as a jolt or thrill; by the early 20th century it broadened to mean a pleasurable excitement, then โenjoy/amuse oneself from.โ
Notes
Informal, upbeat: โreally enjoy/find amusing.โ Can imply mild teasing or taking pleasure in something. Fine in speech and casual writing; avoid in very formal contexts.
Examples
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I get a kick out of watching my dog chase his tail.
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She really gets a kick out of teasing her little brother.
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We got a kick out of the old photos from college.
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He gets a kick out of trying weird snacks from around the world.
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They got a kick out of seeing their hometown mentioned on TV.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually: get(s)/got/โve gotten a kick out of + noun/gerund. Keep the article โaโ and โout ofโ fixed. Can be used with pronouns: get a kick out of it.
Synonyms
- enjoy
- get a thrill out of
- get a laugh out of
- take pleasure in
- get a buzz out of
Antonyms
- be bored by
- take no pleasure in
- dislike