The verb 'to nix'

[undeddy]

Hi!

Does it mean 'to deny'? If so, is it a common word? Is it suitable for official situations?
Perhaps, it's closer to the verb 'refuse' than 'deny'?
Please, clarify when I can use this word and how it'll sound.

[konungursvia]

It does mean to deny, to refuse, or to cancel. It is not suitable for official situations, as it is slang, and in fact, has its origins in World War II (the Great Patriotic War, for you Russians), as it comes from the German for "no way" or "none": nichts.

[Searching for language]

Originally Posted by undeddy

Hi!

Does it mean 'to deny'? If so, is it a common word? Is it suitable for official situations?
Perhaps, it's closer to the verb 'refuse' than 'deny'?
Please, clarify when I can use this word and how it'll sound.

Yes, it means to deny, to refuse, but I think it is actually closer to the verbs cancel or nullify.

"I know that you and your friends have made elaborate plans for a party, but I am going to nix that!"

Whether it is suitable for official situations, I don't know. I'll let the professionals here answer that.

I am not a teacher.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by undeddy

Hi!

Does it mean 'to deny'? Yes - deny, veto, say no to, reject, void, overturn, overrule, override.

If so, is it a common word? Yes.

Is it suitable for official situations? No.

Perhaps, it's closer to the verb 'refuse' than 'deny'? All three words have several meanings, but there is plenty of overlap among them. A dictionary will explain the differences.

Please, clarify when I can use this word and how it'll sound.

It's somewhat old-fashioned slang, but it still sounds fine. Here are some examples of how to use it:

He nixed the idea.
She wanted to stay out past midnight, but her parents nixed it.
The proposal to build a third dam was nixed on environmental grounds.
Lou's suggestion that we work all weekend was nixed right out of the gate.
The rain nixed our picnic plans.

[undeddy]

Thanks for help!