What does vamose mean?
Vamose is an informal English command or interjection meaning "go away" or "leave," usually said with mock severity or comic drama. It can be used to dismiss people from a place, but its theatrical tone often makes the dismissal playful rather than genuinely rude. The word is chiefly associated with American English, though it is also understood and occasionally used in British English. In addition to its standard interjection use, "vamose" can function as an informal verb meaning to leave or go away quickly. "Now vamose!" is therefore both a command and a characteristic sound effect associated with old-fashioned or comic storytelling. Vamose comes from an alteration of Spanish "vamos," itself derived from Latin "vadere," "to go." Over time, the borrowed expression became a memorable English dismissal with a theatrical edge. Its unusual spelling and strong dramatic flavor make it especially useful for vivid dialogue and humorous narration.
An informal command telling someone to go away or leave.
""Vamose!" shouted the conductor as the performers crowded onto the stage."
Often deliberately comic, exaggerated, or theatrical; it may be gentler than its literal command suggests.
To leave or go away quickly.
"The crowd began to vamose as the storm approached."
Informal and chiefly associated with American English.
Borrowed from Spanish and theatrically reshaped into a mock command, vamose can make even a firm dismissal sound amusingly old-fashioned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vamose
The English form dates to the 19th century and is an alteration of Spanish "vamos," a present-tense form of "ir" meaning "to go" that is used interjectively as "let's go." Spanish "vamos" ultimately comes from Latin "vadimus," the first-person plural present indicative of "vadere," meaning "to go." The same Latin root underlies English cognates such as "invade" and "evade."
How vamose is actually used
Informal and often deliberately theatrical, vamose may sound comically stern rather than genuinely hostile. It is chiefly associated with American English but is also understood and occasionally used in British English.
Easily confused with vamose
A Spanish interjection meaning "let's go," whereas English "vamose" is a command meaning "go away."