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can you not
01
used to express annoyance or frustration and tell someone to stop doing something irritating
Slang
What does "can you not" mean in slang?
The phrase "can you not" is used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying, inappropriate, or unwanted. The structure is an ellipsis of a fuller question like "can you not do that?", shortened for sharp, sarcastic effect. It is informal slang commonly used in conversation and online communication as a dismissive or irritated way of telling someone to stop their behavior.
Examples
You 're going to complain about homework again? Can you not?
