Question for US English speakers:

There’s this expression in English, “put someone off”, that can mean “make someone discouraged”, “cause someone to dislike something”. It has a close meaning to the expression “turn someone off”. The thing is, though, that “turn someone off” usually have sexual connotations. Besides, in many dictionaries, it says that “put someone off” is mainly a British expression. I’d like know if that expression is also used in the US. If now, what would you say in the following sentences?

“His lack of motivation really puts me off”
“The rain put me off going out tonight”

Thank you

Question

Question for US English speakers:

There’s this expression in English, “put someone off”, that can mean “make someone discouraged”, “cause someone to dislike something”. It has a close meaning to the expression “turn someone off”. The thing is, though, that “turn someone off” usually have sexual connotations. Besides, in many dictionaries, it says that “put someone off” is mainly a British expression. I’d like know if that expression is also used in the US. If now, what would you say in the following sentences?

“His lack of motivation really puts me off”
“The rain put me off going out tonight”

Thank you

Answer

Hi Fernando!  Americans use this verb.  Here is what Merriam-Webster says:

put (someone) off or put off (someone) a : to cause (someone) to wait

I need to come up with an excuse to put off the bill collector.
She finally called him after putting him off all week.

b : to cause (someone) to dislike someone or something
Don't let the restaurant's dingy appearance put you off—their food is great.
I was put off by his rudeness.

(chiefly Brit) His rudeness put me off him [=made me dislike him] at once.

Answer

P.S. I think put off is milder than turned off. Put off by something suggests a negative characteristic that made me choose an alternative at that time. E.g. I was going to have the pizza but I was put off by the wait.  Versus.... I was going to have the pizza but was turned off because the kitchen looked dirty.
Not much difference but a little.

Answer

Putting someone off can also mean 1) distracting them and 2) delaying them.
For example:
1) I was studying for the test but she put me off by playing music in the next room.
2) we have a appointment this Wednesday but I have to put you off until Thursday.