can't even

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Without a following verb, as an expression of aporia: to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Oh my God, I got cheap tickets to the Beyoncé concert! I can’t even!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “can't even” mean?

Without a following verb, as an expression of aporia: to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation.

Is “can't even” formal or informal?

can't even is generally slang.