Tune 'em out

[JPablo]

Does that mean something like "ignore them"?

Where this expression comes from?

(Like "tuning out a TV channel you don't want to watch???)

How would you say this in Spanish?

[Rusty]

Exactly. Ignore 'em.

The phrase most likely comes from the opposite of tuning in, as we used to have to do with a radio dial. Instead of centering our dial (our attention) on someone, we tune them out.

no prestar atención
no hacer caso
poner/hacer oídos sordos

[aleCcowaN]

tune out
1. Electronics To adjust a receiver so as not to receive a particular signal.
2. Slang a. To disassociate oneself from one's environment: "The average reader, used to seeing the world in three-dimensional color, tunes out" (Carlin Romano).
b. To become unresponsive to; ignore: tuned out the children's screaming.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

Por estos lares "nos desconectamos" o "nos desenganchamos" o "estamos en otra" (en orden decreciente de afinidad).

[JPablo]

Hi, thank you Rusty and Alec!
I also found the following in the Urban Dictionary,

tune out
to ignore someone by playing music really loudly, while they are talking, to cover up the sound of their voice. best when used during nagging sessions by parents, significant others, or just to ignore some annoying schmo.
Oh no, mom's nagging at me again..time to tune out.. *blares ipod*
*mom continues her rant unheard*

And yes, I've heard and/or used the expressions you mention. All of them valid. Also reminded me of "Nos desentendemos".

Thanks a lot!