Pronunciation: [bɹˈʌʃ ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The word "brush off" is spelled with a "br" sound at the beginning, followed by a short "uh" sound (schwa) in the middle, and a "sh" sound at the end. The "sh" sound is spelled with the letters "s" and "h" together. The stress falls on the first syllable, "bruhsh." In phonetic transcription, this word is represented as /ˈbrʌʃ ɒf/. To "brush off" means to dismiss or reject something or someone, often with indifference.
The term "brush off" is a phrasal verb that can be used in different contexts. It typically refers to the act of dismissing, ignoring, or disregarding someone or something. When someone "brushes off" a person, it means they are not giving them adequate attention or importance. This can be seen in situations where someone wants to be heard or acknowledged but is met with indifference or neglect. It involves minimizing or downplaying the significance of someone's concerns, requests, or opinions.
"Brush off" can also be used when someone is trying to get rid of a physical object or substance, such as dirt or debris, by lightly sweeping or wiping it away. In this case, the action involves removing something unwanted or inconsequential.
The phrase can also be used figuratively to describe how someone deals with an issue or problem. By "brushing off" a problem, a person is disregarding its seriousness or impact, often in an attempt to avoid dealing with it or to diminish its importance.
Overall, the term "brush off" encompasses various situations where someone is intentionally dismissing or ignoring someone or something, whether it be a person, an object, or a problem. It implies a lack of attention, concern, or respect towards the matter at hand.
The word "brush off" is believed to have originated as a metaphorical expression in the domain of cleansing or tidying. The etymology may be traced back to the action of brushing off or removing dirt, dust, or debris from a surface using a brush, thus leaving it clean and free of impurities. Over time, this action came to be associated with figuratively dismissing or disregarding something or someone. The exact origins of the phrase are unclear, but it is likely that it emerged as a colloquialism in English and gained popularity through common usage.
