What it means
When something or someone is living rent free in your head, you cannot stop thinking about it even though you wish you could. An embarrassing memory or a petty grudge just squats in your mind without paying a cent.
Usage examples
"That cringe thing I said in 2015 is living rent free in my head."
"His ridiculous comeback is living rent free in everyone's mind now."
"I swear that one weird thing she said is living rent free in my head and I hate that for me."
"That bloke's smug little grin has been living rent free in my head all week."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
From the image of a tenant living rent free, taking up space without paying. The thought moves into your head and flatly refuses to leave or chip in for the room.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.