Need to get someone’s attention, but find the phrase “Excuse me” too formal or awkward? Using this one phrase can feel stiff in casual situations. This article will show you Funny Ways to Say “Excuse me,” helping you start conversations or get through a crowd with a smile. These clever phrases can turn potentially awkward moments into fun, memorable interactions.

Funny Ways to Say “Excuse me”

Pardon my dust
Whoops, coming through
Make way for the VIP
Sorry, hotshot passing
Move it or lose it
Outta my way, pal
Beg your pardon
Oops, my bad
Scoot over, champ
Mind the gap
Clear the runway
Pardon the interruption
Step aside, superstar
Excusez-moi, fancy pants
Coming in hot
Watch out, royalty here
Sorry, squeezing by
Hold up, VIP passing
My apologies, chief
Pardon me, your highness

1. Pardon my dust

“Pardon my dust” is a humorous, informal phrase used to say “excuse me” when moving through a crowd or interrupting. It evokes the image of a speeding car leaving a trail of dust. This phrase has a playful, slightly cheeky tone, perfect for casual settings among friends. Using “pardon my dust” instead of “excuse me” adds a fun, old-school vibe, suggesting a breezy, confident movement.

Example 1: When you’re weaving through a crowded party to grab a drink, you could say: “Pardon my dust, I need that soda!”
Example 2: If you’re squeezing past colleagues in a busy office hallway, you might say: “Pardon my dust, heading to the printer!”

2. Whoops, coming through

“Whoops, coming through” is a lighthearted phrase to say “excuse me” when passing through a space. It implies a minor mishap or hurry with a playful tone. It’s casual and friendly, ideal for informal settings like parties or group gatherings. Using “whoops, coming through” instead of “excuse me” adds a clumsy, apologetic humor, which softens the interruption. It’s great for situations where you want to politely move past others with a fun, non-serious vibe.

Example 1: If you’re navigating a busy festival to reach a food stall, you could say: “Whoops, coming through, hungry over here!”
Example 2: When you’re slipping through a crowded meeting room to your seat, you might say: “Whoops, coming through, I’m late again!”

3. Make way for the VIP

“Make way for the VIP” is a cheeky, exaggerated phrase used to say “excuse me” by humorously implying you’re an important person who needs space to pass. It has a bold, playful tone, perfect for joking with friends or in lighthearted social settings. Using “make way for the VIP” instead of “excuse me” adds a self-aware, theatrical humor, making a simple request sound grand. It’s perfect for situations where you want to jokingly demand attention while moving through a crowd.

Example 1: If you’re playfully pushing through friends at a game night, you could say: “Make way for the VIP, I’m grabbing snacks!”
Example 2: When you’re weaving through a busy team lunch to get to the buffet, you might say: “Make way for the VIP, I’m starving!”

4. Sorry, hotshot passing

“Sorry, hotshot passing” is a humorous, sassy phrase used to say “excuse me” when moving past someone, jokingly implying you’re a big deal. It has a confident, teasing tone, perfect for casual settings with friends or playful colleagues. Using “sorry, hotshot passing” instead of “excuse me” adds a bold, fun flair, suggesting a lighthearted swagger. It’s great for situations where you want to inject humor into a quick apology for interrupting or passing through.

Example 1: When you’re squeezing through a crowded bar to reach your friends, you could say: “Sorry, hotshot passing, need my seat!”
Example 2: If you’re navigating a busy office to deliver a report, you might say: “Sorry, hotshot passing, I’ve got a deadline!”

5. Move it or lose it

“Move it or lose it” is a bold, humorous phrase used to say “excuse me,” playfully urging others to step aside quickly with a mock-threatening tone. It has a cheeky, energetic vibe, ideal for informal settings like parties or among close friends. Using “move it or lose it” instead of “excuse me” adds a playful, exaggerated urgency to the request to clear a path. It’s perfect for situations where you want to jokingly assert yourself while navigating a crowd.

Example 1: If you’re rushing through a lively concert to get closer to the stage, you could say: “Move it or lose it, I’m dancing here!”
Example 2: When you’re weaving through colleagues at a company event, you might say: “Move it or lose it, I’m after the cake!”

6. Outta my way, pal

“Outta my way, pal” is a cheeky, informal phrase used to say “excuse me,” humorously demanding space with a friendly, mock-tough tone. It’s perfect for casual settings among friends or peers where playful banter is welcome. Using “outta my way, pal” instead of “excuse me” adds a bold, buddy-like humor, softening the interruption with camaraderie. It’s great for situations where you want to jokingly push through a crowd with a fun, familiar vibe.

Example 1: When you’re playfully navigating through friends at a barbecue, you could say: “Outta my way, pal, I’m grabbing a burger!”
Example 2: If you’re squeezing past coworkers in a busy break room, you might say: “Outta my way, pal, coffee’s calling!”

7. Beg your pardon

“Beg your pardon” is a polite yet slightly playful phrase used to say “excuse me,” often with a mock-formal tone, suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts. It has a charming, old-fashioned vibe, making it ideal for lighthearted apologies or interruptions. Using “beg your pardon” instead of “excuse me” adds a touch of whimsical politeness, softening the request. It’s perfect for situations where you want to politely interrupt or pass through with a humorous, refined flair.

Example 1: If you accidentally bump into someone at a busy market, you could say: “Beg your pardon, I didn’t see you there!”
Example 2: When you’re interrupting a colleague’s chat to ask a question, you might say: “Beg your pardon, I’ve got a quick question!”

8. Oops, my bad

“Oops, my bad” is a casual, humorous phrase used to say “excuse me” when acknowledging a minor mistake or intrusion. It’s often used in informal settings and carries a lighthearted, self-deprecating tone, perfect for diffusing awkwardness among friends or peers. Using “oops, my bad” instead of “excuse me” adds a playful admission of fault, making the apology feel friendly. It’s great for situations where you want to apologize for a small interruption or bump with humor.

Example 1: Suppose you accidentally cut through a friend’s photo moment at a party. You could say: “Oops, my bad, didn’t mean to photobomb!”
Example 2: If you bump into a coworker while rushing to a meeting, you might say: “Oops, my bad, I’m in a hurry here!”

9. Scoot over, champ

“Scoot over, champ” is a playful, friendly phrase used to say “excuse me” when asking someone to make space. It has a teasing, affectionate tone and is ideal for casual settings among friends or family, implying the other person is a “champ” in a lighthearted way. Using “scoot over, champ” instead of “excuse me” adds a fun, sporty vibe, making the request feel warm and jovial. It’s perfect for situations where you want to nudge someone aside with humor and camaraderie.

Example 1: When you’re squeezing onto a crowded couch at a friend’s movie night, you could say: “Scoot over, champ, I need a spot!”
Example 2: If you’re joining colleagues at a packed lunch table, you might say: “Scoot over, champ, room for one more!”

10. Mind the gap

“Mind the gap” is a humorous, quirky phrase used to say “excuse me” when navigating through a tight space. It borrows from transit announcements for a playful effect and carries a clever, lighthearted tone, perfect for witty interactions with friends or strangers. Using “mind the gap” instead of “excuse me” adds a fun, unexpected twist, evoking a subway-like caution. It’s great for situations where you want to slip through a crowd with a smart, humorous remark.

Example 1: If you’re weaving through a crowded festival to reach a booth, you could say: “Mind the gap, I’ve got to get through!”
Example 2: When you’re navigating a busy office hallway during a rush, you might say: “Mind the gap, heading to my desk!”

11. Clear the runway

“Clear the runway” is a bold, humorous phrase used to say “excuse me,” likening oneself to an airplane needing space to “land.” It’s perfect for playful, confident settings with an energetic, theatrical tone, ideal for joking with friends or in lively social situations. Using “clear the runway” instead of “excuse me” adds a dramatic, aviation-inspired humor to the request. It’s great for situations where you want to jokingly demand space with a larger-than-life vibe.

Example 1: Suppose you’re rushing through a crowded party to grab a drink. You could say: “Clear the runway, I’m parched!”
Example 2: If you’re weaving through colleagues to reach a meeting room, you might say: “Clear the runway, I’m late!”

12. Pardon the interruption

“Pardon the interruption” is a polite, slightly playful phrase used to say “excuse me” when breaking into a conversation or event. It has a semi-formal, humorous tone that’s suitable for both casual and professional settings, softening the intrusion with charm. Using “pardon the interruption” instead of “excuse me” adds a courteous, theatrical flair, acknowledging the disruption. It’s perfect for situations where you want to politely interrupt with a touch of lighthearted formality.

Example 1: If you need to cut into a friend’s chat at a party to share news, you could say: “Pardon the interruption, big announcement!”
Example 2: When you’re joining a colleague’s discussion in a meeting, you might say: “Pardon the interruption, I’ve got an update!”

13. Step aside, superstar

“Step aside, superstar” is a cheeky, playful phrase used to say “excuse me,” humorously implying you’re a celebrity needing space to pass. It has a bold, fun tone, perfect for joking with friends or in lively, informal settings. Using “step aside, superstar” instead of “excuse me” adds a glamorous, exaggerated humor to the request. It’s great for situations where you want to playfully assert yourself while moving through a crowd.

Example 1: Suppose you’re pushing through friends at a game night to grab snacks. You could say: “Step aside, superstar, I’m hungry!”
Example 2: If you’re navigating a crowded team event to get to the stage, you might say: “Step aside, superstar, I’m up next!”

14. Excusez-moi, fancy pants

“Excusez-moi, fancy pants” is a humorous, sassy phrase used to say “excuse me,” blending mock-French flair with a playful jab at someone’s style or attitude. It has a cheeky, lighthearted tone, ideal for joking with friends or in fun social settings. Using “excusez-moi, fancy pants” instead of “excuse me” adds a quirky, theatrical humor with a touch of sass. It’s perfect for situations where you want to tease someone while politely moving past them.

Example 1: If you’re squeezing past a friend in a flashy outfit at a party, you could say: “Excusez-moi, fancy pants, I need to pass!”
Example 2: When you’re navigating through colleagues at a stylish office event, you might say: “Excusez-moi, fancy pants, heading through!”

15. Coming in hot

“Coming in hot” is a bold, energetic phrase used to say “excuse me,” likening oneself to a fast-moving object like a jet. It’s perfect for lively, informal settings with a dynamic, humorous tone, suggesting urgency and excitement in a playful way. Using “coming in hot” instead of “excuse me” adds a vivid, action-movie-inspired humor to the request. It’s great for situations where you want to jokingly announce your presence while moving through a crowd.

Example 1: Suppose you’re rushing through a crowded bar to join friends. You could say: “Coming in hot, save me a seat!”
Example 2: If you’re weaving through a busy office to deliver urgent files, you might say: “Coming in hot, I’ve got the documents!”

16. Watch out, royalty here

“Watch out, royalty here” is a playful, exaggerated phrase used to say “excuse me,” humorously implying you’re a king or queen needing space to pass. It has a theatrical, cheeky tone, perfect for joking with friends or in fun social settings. Using “watch out, royalty here” instead of “excuse me” adds a regal, over-the-top humor to the request. It’s ideal for situations where you want to playfully demand attention while navigating a crowd.

Example 1: If you’re pushing through friends at a costume party, you could say: “Watch out, royalty here, make way!”
Example 2: When you’re squeezing through colleagues at a team event, you might say: “Watch out, royalty here, I’m grabbing food!”

17. Sorry, squeezing by

“Sorry, squeezing by” is a casual, polite phrase used to say “excuse me” when navigating tight spaces. It has a humorous, apologetic tone that softens the intrusion. It’s perfect for informal settings like crowded events or among friends, emphasizing the physical act of squeezing through. Using “sorry, squeezing by” instead of “excuse me” adds a light, practical humor, acknowledging the tight space. It’s great for situations where you want to politely pass through with a friendly, unassuming vibe.

Example 1: If you’re navigating a packed concert to reach the front, you could say: “Sorry, squeezing by, I love this band!”
Example 2: When you’re slipping through a crowded office kitchen, you might say: “Sorry, squeezing by, I need my coffee!”

18. Hold up, VIP passing

“Hold up, VIP passing” is a bold, humorous phrase used to say “excuse me,” playfully suggesting you’re an important person needing space to move through. It has a confident, teasing tone, ideal for joking with friends or in lively social settings. Using “hold up, VIP passing” instead of “excuse me” adds a fun, self-important flair to the request. It’s perfect for situations where you want to jokingly assert yourself while navigating a crowd.

Example 1: If you’re weaving through a crowded party to reach the dance floor, you could say: “Hold up, VIP passing, I’ve got to dance!”
Example 2: When you’re moving through colleagues at a company event, you might say: “Hold up, VIP passing, heading to the stage!”

19. My apologies, chief

“My apologies, chief” is a humorous, slightly formal phrase used to say “excuse me,” with a playful nod to authority by calling someone “chief.” It has a friendly, tongue-in-cheek tone, perfect for casual or semi-professional settings. Using “my apologies, chief” instead of “excuse me” adds a lighthearted, respectful humor to the apology. It’s great for situations where you want to politely interrupt or pass through with a fun, deferential vibe.

Example 1: Suppose you accidentally interrupt a friend’s story at a gathering. You could say: “My apologies, chief, carry on!”
Example 2: If you bump into a colleague while rushing to a meeting, you might say: “My apologies, chief, I’m in a hurry!”

20. Pardon me, your highness

“Pardon me, your highness” is a playful, exaggerated phrase used to say “excuse me,” humorously addressing someone as royalty to soften the interruption. It has a theatrical, cheeky tone, ideal for joking with friends or in fun, informal settings. Using “pardon me, your highness” instead of “excuse me” adds a regal, over-the-top humor to the request. It’s perfect for situations where you want to politely pass through or interrupt with a grandiose, humorous flair.

Example 1: If you’re squeezing past a friend in a dramatic costume at a party, you could say: “Pardon me, your highness, I need to pass!”
Example 2: When you’re navigating through colleagues at a themed office event, you might say: “Pardon me, your highness, grabbing a drink!”

Conclusion

With these Funny Ways to Say “Excuse me” you’ve discovered, awkward moments will no longer be an issue. Apply these witty phrases to turn everyday interactions into fun and memorable experiences.

Find more creative alternatives at Other Ways to Say.

Thomas Schneider

Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.