crap out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crap out" is correct and usable in written English, but it is considered informal and should be used with caution in formal writing.
"Crap out" means to fail or stop working suddenly. Example: "My laptop crapped out just as I was finishing my essay, so I had to rewrite the entire thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I crap out on Final Jeopardy, losing a new Corvette and $12,000 in the process.

Forbes

My HDD is going to crap out soon.

TechCrunch

"Just pass the crap out," he said two hours in. .

Huffington Post

"We thrashed the crap out of them.

The New Yorker

He scared the crap out of me".

The New Yorker

TRUMP: Knock the crap out of them.

The Washington Post

It annoys the crap out of me".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Donald Trump has crapped out some logo porn.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Monaco craps out," reads the front page headline.

The Guardian - Film

APP's public holders will have crapped out a $75 million bet.

Forbes

Like most of the players before me, I crapped out without busting a single line.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crap out" to describe a machine's failure, emphasize the suddenness of the breakdown. The phrase implies an unexpected and often inconvenient cessation of function.

Common error

Avoid using "crap out" in formal writing or professional communication. Its informal nature can detract from your credibility and may be considered unprofessional. Opt for alternatives like "fail", "malfunction", or "break down" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "crap out" functions primarily to describe the sudden cessation of function or failure of a device, plan, or endeavor. It's an idiomatic expression where the meaning isn't immediately obvious from the individual words. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in News & Media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crap out" is an informal phrasal verb that means to suddenly fail or stop working, often unexpectedly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but it's important to reserve its usage for casual settings due to its informal and slightly vulgar nature. When writing formally, consider more appropriate alternatives like "fail" or "malfunction". Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, as shown in Ludwig examples. Understanding these nuances will help you use "crap out" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break down

Specifically refers to a machine or system ceasing to function properly.

give out

Implies ceasing to function due to wear or strain.

stop working

A straightforward description of something ceasing to function.

fail

This is a general term for not succeeding. It's less informal than "crap out".

go wrong

Indicates a problem or error has occurred.

malfunction

A more technical term for failing to work correctly.

peter out

To gradually decrease or fade away before coming to an end.

cease to function

A formal way of saying something has stopped working.

fall through

Used when plans or agreements fail to materialize.

come to nothing

Indicates a lack of success or a failed outcome.

FAQs

What does "crap out" mean?

"Crap out" means to suddenly stop working or fail, especially of a machine or plan.

Is it appropriate to use "crap out" in professional settings?

No, "crap out" is considered informal and is best avoided in professional or formal contexts. Use alternatives like "fail" or "malfunction" instead.

What are some synonyms for "crap out"?

Synonyms include "break down", "give out", and "stop working", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "crap out" in a sentence?

You can say, "My car "crapped out" on the way to work," or, "The deal "crapped out" at the last minute."