eff
eff Lexical Profile
eff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The spoken name of the sixth letter of the modern English alphabet (F, f).
"Remember that the word 'cliff' is spelled with a double eff at the end."
A euphemism for the word 'fuck', especially in idiomatic expressions indicating a lack of care or concern.
"After years of dealing with office politics, she no longer gave an eff about petty gossip."
• interjection
Used as a euphemism for 'fuck' to express anger, annoyance, or frustration.
"Oh eff, I left my wallet on the kitchen counter!"
• verb
To curse, swear, or use profanity (used as a euphemistic substitute for 'fuck', especially in the phrase 'eff and blind' or with phrasal particles like 'off' or 'up').
"He was effing and blinding in the garage after dropping the heavy wrench on his toe."
• Rhymes for eff
Word Origin & Etymology
Phonetic spelling of the spoken name of the sixth letter of the English alphabet ('F'), inherited from Old French and Latin 'ef'. As a verb and interjection, it originated in the early 20th century as a euphemistic initialism for the vulgarity 'fuck'.