Meaning & use
for kicks
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Meaning
phraseidiominformal
For fun or excitement, especially when the activity is a bit risky or silly.
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase at the end of a clause: They did it for kicks.
Patterns
- do something for kicks
- just for kicks
They stole the sign from the restaurant just for kicks.
He rides his motorcycle fast for kicks, not because he is in a hurry.
We used to skip class for kicks when we were teenagers.
Common combinations
- just for kicks
- I learned to juggle just for kicks.
- do something for kicks
- They climbed the bridge for kicks.
- only for kicks
- He wasn't serious; he said it only for kicks.
Synonyms and how they differ
- for fun
- The neutral, more common way to say this; 'for kicks' sounds more informal and hints at excitement or mischief.
- for a laugh
- British and informal; very close in meaning, but often suggests something even more lighthearted.
Opposites
Commonly confused: for kicks or for kicks and giggles?
for kicks vs for kicks and giggles
An informal longer phrase meaning 'for fun'; it is a fixed expression, not simply a plural of 'for kicks.'
Practice
Which sentence uses 'for kicks' most naturally?
Choose one answer.
'For kicks' means doing something for fun or excitement, so setting off an alarm fits. The other options confuse it with purpose or deadline phrases like 'for work' or 'for Friday.'
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “for kicks”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.