Jetting Off: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 22, 2023

"Jetting off" is a common expression that means to travel somewhere by airplane, usually for a vacation or a short trip. It can also mean leaving a place quickly or suddenly.

In short:

  • It means flying somewhere by airplane.
  • It can also mean to leave a place instantly.

What Does "Jetting Off" Mean?

The idiom "jetting off" has two primary meanings:

  • To travel somewhere by airplane, usually for a vacation or a short trip. This is the most common meaning of the idiom, and it is often used to describe celebrities or wealthy people who have the luxury and freedom to fly to different places around the world.
  • To leave a place quickly or suddenly. This is a less common meaning of the idiom, and it is usually used to describe someone who has an urgent or unexpected reason to depart.

Where Does "Jetting Off" Come From?

The idiom "jetting off" comes from the word "jet," which refers to an airplane that uses jet engines to fly faster and higher than propeller planes. It was first used in English in the late 1930s as an abbreviation of "jet-propelled."

Furthermore, the idiom emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as air travel became more affordable and common for ordinary people.

Historical Example

"The new international society is composed largely of people who are rich enough—and free enough from family ties—to spend much of their time jetting from one glamorous spot on earth to another."

—excerpt from the Time magazine report in 1958

10 Examples of "Jetting Off" in Sentences

Here are some examples of "jetting off" in sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

  • I'm so excited to be jetting off to Hawaii next week. I can't wait to relax and bask in the sun on the beach.
  • She's always happy jetting off to somewhere new. She's been to more than 50 countries in the last five years.
  • He had to jet off to London for an urgent meeting. No worries, he'll be back tomorrow.
  • They jetted off to Vegas and got married out of the blue. They didn't tell anyone until they came back.
  • She was supposed to be my best friend, but she jetted off with my boyfriend. I'll never forgive her.
  • Yaas! He's jetting off on another adventure. He loves living life on the edge.
  • She's not interested in settling down anytime soon. She likes jetting off to different places.
  • Never mind him. He jetted off without saying goodbye. He didn't even leave a note.
  • They're jetting off to New York for their anniversary. It seems like they'll see a Broadway show.
  • She is jealous of her sister, who has been jetting off to exotic locations as of late.

Examples of "Jetting Off" in Pop Culture

The idiom "jetting off" has been used in various forms of pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, books, and songs.

Here are some examples:

  • In the 1994 movie Four Weddings and a Funeral, the main character Charles (played by Hugh Grant) is a bachelor who attends several weddings of his friends and falls in love with an American woman named Carrie (played by Andie MacDowell). However, Carrie is already engaged to another man and "jets off" to America after each encounter with Charles.
  • In the 2007 book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author narrates her journey of self-discovery after going through a divorce and depression. She decides to spend a year jetting off worldwide, visiting Italy, India, and Indonesia.

Other Ways to Say "Jetting Off"

Here are other ways to say "jetting off" that have similar or related meanings:

  • Flying off
  • Taking off
  • Heading off
  • Zooming off
  • Whizzing off
  • Dashing off
  • Skipping off
  • Hopping on a plane
  • Flying away
  • Flying out

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Jetting Off"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom "jetting off" and their answers:

  • What does "jetting off" mean?

"Jetting off" is a common expression that means to travel somewhere by airplane, usually for a vacation or a short trip. It can also mean leaving a place quickly or suddenly.

  • What is the origin of "jetting off"?

The idiom "jetting off" comes from the word "jet," which refers to an airplane that uses jet engines to fly faster and higher than propeller planes.

  • What are some synonyms for "jetting off"?

Some synonyms for "jetting off" are flying off, taking off, heading off, zooming off, whizzing off, dashing off, skipping off, hopping on a plane, flying away, and flying out.

  • What are some antonyms for "jetting off"?

Some antonyms for "jetting off" are staying put, sticking around, settling down, hanging out, chilling out, relaxing, or returning.

  • Is "jetting off" formal or informal?

"Jetting off" is an informal expression more suitable for casual or conversational contexts. It is not appropriate for formal or academic writing or speaking.

  • Is "jetting off" British or American?

"Jetting off" is an expression used in British and American English. However, there may be some differences in spelling, pronunciation, and usage between the two varieties of English.

  • Is "jetting off" positive or negative?

"Jetting off" can have either a positive or negative connotation, depending on the context and tone of the speaker or writer. It can imply excitement, adventure, and enjoyment or envy, resentment, and criticism.

  • How do you use "jetting off" in a sentence?

You can use "jetting off" as a verb phrase followed by a preposition (such as to, on, or for) and an object (such as a place, a trip, or a reason). You can also use it as an adjective phrase before a noun (such as trip, vacation, or adventure).

  • How do you pronounce "jetting off"?

You can pronounce "jetting off" as /ˈdʒɛtɪŋ ɒf/ in British English and /ˈdʒɛtɪŋ ɔf/ in American English.

  • How do you say "jetting off" into other languages?

Spanish: Irse volando

French: Partir en avion

German: Abfliegen

Final Thoughts About "Jetting Off"

"Jetting off" is an expression that means to fly somewhere by airplane, usually for a holiday or a brief trip. It can also mean departing a place swiftly or unexpectedly.

In summary:

  • It means to fly somewhere by airplane.
  • It can also mean leaving a place quickly or suddenly.
  • It can have a positive or negative connotation depending on context and tone.
  • It has some variations and related expressions.

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