Take a rain check?

[Torsten]

Hi,

How often do you hear or use the phrase 'take a rain check' when you can't accept an invitation from somebody because you have something else to do?

Many thanks,
Torsten

TOEIC listening, photographs: Administrative cubicles

[Skrej]

I don't personally use it much, but I do hear it fairly frequently. I hear it much more than I use it.
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[Yankee]

.
My American intuition is telling me that teenagers are less likely than their parents or grandparents to use it, and usage of the expression could be losing some steam. I also think quite a bit of the usage may be third person (e.g. telling someone about turning down someone else's invitation). I'd say I use it only occasionally.
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[Molly]

Interesting results?

Time mag:

take a rain check. 1940s - 1
take a rain check. 1990s -1
took a rain check. 1970s - 1

COCA

take a rain check. 1990 to 94. 5
take a rain check. 1995 to 99. 5
take a rain check. 2000 to 04. 3
take a rain check. 2005 to 08. 1

[Stew.t.]

hi guys

Maybe it is my age, but I use this often when I am suddenly not up to (health or energy wise) going out.

Do the sons become their fathers? ; )

cheers stew.t.
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Molly]