'em

The kids are excited to see 'em at the park.

Definition

1. Pronoun (informal, colloquial):
   • Them: "em" is a shortened, informal form of the pronoun "them," used in casual speech or writing, especially in dialects or rapid conversation.

Usage Examples

• Pronoun:
  • Tell 'em to come here. (Ask them to come here.)
  • I gave 'em the keys. (I gave them the keys.)
  • We saw 'em at the park. (We saw them at the park.)

Advanced Usage

• "with 'em": used in informal contexts to indicate accompaniment or association.

  • I'm going with 'em to the store. (I'm going with them to the store.)

• "for 'em": used to express purpose or benefit.

  • This gift is for 'em. (This gift is for them.)

Variants and Related Words

• 'emself (rare, non-standard): a reflexive form of "em," meaning "themselves."
  • They did it by 'emself. (They did it by themselves.)

Synonyms

• Them: the standard, full form of the pronoun.
• 'em is not a synonym for any other word; it is a contraction of "them."

Related Idioms

• Let 'em have it: to give someone a reprimand or attack.

  • The coach let 'em have it after the loss. (The coach strongly criticized them.)

• Get 'em while they're hot: a phrase used to encourage immediate action, often in sales.

  • These tickets are selling fast—get 'em while they're hot! (Obtain them quickly while they are available.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Tell 'em off: to reprimand or scold them.
  • She told 'em off for being late. (She scolded them for being late.)
• Sort 'em out: to organize or resolve issues involving them.
  • We need to sort 'em out before the meeting. (We need to resolve matters concerning them.)

Note on Usage

• 'em is not a separate word with its own meaning; it is a contraction of "them" (often derived from Middle English "hem"). It is always used in place of "them" in informal English, never as a subject (e.g., is incorrect; correct: ). Avoid using 'em in formal writing or speech.