Idiomatic Expressions Found in Taylor Swift’s Song “Shake It Off” Lyrics

The present study aims to identify and analyse idiomatic expressions in the lyrics of "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. Idioms are a form of non literal expression which often pose a challenge for English language learners, due to the fact that their literal meanings are not easily discernible. Utilising a descriptive qualitative approach, this research analyses idioms based on Makkai's (1972) classification, which includes six types: phrasal verb idioms, tournure idioms, irreversible binomial idioms, phrasal compound idioms, incorporating verb idioms, and pseudo idioms. The findings indicate that the composition is replete with idiomatic usage, reflecting emotional meanings and social messages implicitly. A total of fourteen idioms were identified, which serve to reinforce Taylor Swift's stylistic language and make the song an effective and contextual medium for the purposes of English language learning. It is anticipated that these findings will contribute to the development of language teaching, particularly with regard to the comprehension of idiomatic meaning within the context of popular culture.

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Publication Details

Journal
Sintaksis Publikasi Para ahli Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris
Published
2025-06-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.61132/sintaksis.v3i3.1800
Primary Topic
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Idiomatic Expressions Found in Taylor Swift’s Song “Shake It Off” Lyrics

Sintaksis Publikasi Para ahli Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
article

Idiomatic Expressions Found in Taylor Swift’s Song “Shake It Off” Lyrics

article en

Abstract

The present study aims to identify and analyse idiomatic expressions in the lyrics of "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. Idioms are a form of non literal expression which often pose a challenge for English language learners, due to the fact that their literal meanings are not easily discernible. Utilising a descriptive qualitative approach, this research analyses idioms based on Makkai's (1972) classification, which includes six types: phrasal verb idioms, tournure idioms, irreversible binomial idioms, phrasal compound idioms, incorporating verb idioms, and pseudo idioms. The findings indicate that the composition is replete with idiomatic usage, reflecting emotional meanings and social messages implicitly. A total of fourteen idioms were identified, which serve to reinforce Taylor Swift's stylistic language and make the song an effective and contextual medium for the purposes of English language learning. It is anticipated that these findings will contribute to the development of language teaching, particularly with regard to the comprehension of idiomatic meaning within the context of popular culture.

Sintaksis Publikasi Para ahli Bahasa dan Sastra InggrisVol. 3(3)
Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University Bandung (ID)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 47%
Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
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Idiomatic Expressions Found in Taylor Swift’s Song “Shake It Off” Lyrics · Sintaksis Publikasi Para ahli Bahasa dan Sastra Inggris (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS