unable to can

English

Etymology

From can't even (“to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation”), with the implication that one has lost the capacity of English due to shock.

Phrase

unable to can

1. (slang, humorous) Rendered utterly speechless or overwhelmed with a situation.
   • 2016 April 25, Phoebe Robinson, “The Catch Recap: A Bug's Life”, in Vulture‎^[1], archived from the original on 21 June 2023:

     I literally cannot with William. I will continue to be unable to can with this fool.

   • 2020 March 25, Harriet Johnston, “Woman reveals her mother has placed a raw ONION in the corner of every room in the house in a bizarre attempt to ward off coronavirus”, in Daily Mail‎^[2], London: DMG Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-10-14:

     She said: 'This is the peak of the whatsapp mother's cult. I am unable to can lmao.'