eff

Everyday

1. (euphemism, rude, UK) «Eff» is a polite way of saying a very rude swear word starting with F without saying it fully. tree →
2. «Eff off» means go away, said angrily. tree →
3. «Effing» is used as a less rude form of a swear word meaning very or annoying. tree →
4. «Eff» is the name of the letter F. tree →

In the lessons

In real speech, especially in British talk, «effing and blinding» means swearing a lot; «eff off» is rude. It tells the reader a character is angry and swearing, while the writer avoids the real word. Not for use at school.

Examples

• (rude) He told them to eff off. tree →
• (rude, UK) The builder was effing and blinding when he dropped the brick. tree →
• (rude) That effing alarm woke me again! tree →
• My teacher said, «No effing and blinding in my classroom.» tree →
• (rude) «Eff this, I'm going home.» tree →

Note

A euphemism standing for a strong swear word; still rude. «Effing and blinding» (UK) = swearing. As a letter name it is just «ef». Do not confuse with «F» as a grade.