bad influence

You can use it as a noun to describe a person. For example, 'He is a bad influence on me.' You can also use it to describe a thing, like a TV show or a habit. It usually follows the verb to be. Sometimes we use it playfully to flirt or joke with friends. It sounds like a lighthearted accusation.

Use it when a friend talks you into a second dessert. Use it when your sibling helps you sneak out of the house. It works well in casual conversations about social life. You might hear parents use it seriously about their children's friends. In a professional setting, it describes a coworker who encourages laziness. It is great for storytelling about a wild night out.

Do not use it for someone who is truly dangerous or evil. That is too heavy for this phrase. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. It sounds a bit too subjective and conversational for a courtroom. Don't use it if you are the one who made the choice alone. You need a 'partner in crime' to use this phrase properly.

In Western culture, this phrase is a classic 'parental' warning. Many movies show a 'good kid' meeting a bad influence rebel. However, among young adults, it is often a badge of honor. Calling a friend a bad influence usually means you have a lot of fun together. It suggests a break from the boring rules of adult life. It is the 'devil on your shoulder' in human form.

You might hear people say good influence for someone who helps you. Some people say 'a terrible influence' to add more drama. You can also say someone is 'influencing me' in a negative way. A common slang version is calling someone a 'corrupter.' But bad influence remains the most popular and versatile choice for daily English.