fuckup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fuckup" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and considered vulgar.
It can be used to describe a mistake or failure, often in a casual or humorous context.
Example: "I made a real fuckup when I forgot to submit the report on time."
Alternatives: "blunder" or "mistake".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"I'm such a fuckup," she whispered in Patchett's ear at one of her many low points.

The New Yorker

It always seemed to cling to me after a particularly egregious fuckup in medical school, so for days afterward, just by sniffing my fingers, I'd be reminded of how I had almost killed this or that poor old zombie with my bad math.

The New Yorker

"If it was a fuckup, I could live with it," one senior official said.

The New Yorker

My Spanish has improved to the point where I can hold forth on any subject — animal, vegetable, mineral — with only one major fuckup per sentence.

The New Yorker

"A part of me wants to feel like my life's a total ruin and a fuckup, that there's a right way to do things and I've made a disaster out of it.

The New Yorker

One fixture of the Washington scene says, "She was the one who was always right and always superior — he was the fuckup," and argues that Hillary's troubles have marked a change in the dynamic: "When Bill Clinton came out to make a comment at that press conference about Bill Safire, he looked like a happy man.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"But it's not a fuckup-it's an outrage.This isn't like you're six years old and your mother calls you to come in for lunch and you say, 'Time out.'If anyone thinks otherwise, go look at the World Trade Center or the Pentagon".

The New Yorker

Favourite quote: "The same fuckups in the same shit detail working out of the same shithouse kinda office.

The Guardian

To understand it, you had to follow the intricate plots of the latest horrendous fuckups in Haitian politics.

The New Yorker

Being an intellectual proponent of really bad sex doesn't quite have the gravitas of, say, being a deconstructionist (nor is there an easy aesthetic-sounding name for its practitioners: "fuckups," for instance, doesn't seem quite right).

The New Yorker

Fish will get inspired, laying out what will happen in the first few days, the weeks after, every move for years: first, a different apartment in a new city, away from the therapist fuckups in Bakersfield who keep prescribing things for Adam, then a menial job while doing some kind of night school, and finally a woman, older, hardened but warm, eyes that could love and kill.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fuckup", be mindful of your audience as it is considered vulgar. In professional settings, opt for alternatives like "mistake" or "error".

Common error

Avoid using "fuckup" in formal writing or professional communication. The term is highly informal and can be offensive. Choose more appropriate alternatives like "error", "mistake", or "blunder" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fuckup" is as a noun, referring to a significant mistake or a person prone to making mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples show its use in describing both actions and individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fuckup" is an informal noun used to describe a significant mistake or an inept individual. Ludwig AI confirms the term's correctness but stresses its vulgarity, suggesting caution in formal settings. It's primarily found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, its strong negative connotation makes it unsuitable for professional or academic environments. Remember to consider your audience and context before using this term.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screw-up

A less formal synonym, implying a mistake or mismanagement.

blunder

A significant error or mistake, often due to carelessness or incompetence.

failure

A general term indicating lack of success.

major mistake

Highlights the significance of the error.

serious error

Emphasizes the gravity of the mistake.

fiasco

Implies a complete and often embarrassing failure.

More alternative expressions

gimp

loser

missed

dipshit

shithead

schmuck

slacker

punk

FAQs

What does "fuckup" mean?

The term "fuckup" refers to a serious mistake or someone who continually makes mistakes. It's considered a vulgar term.

What can I say instead of "fuckup"?

You can use alternatives like "blunder", "mistake", or "error" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fuckup" in professional writing?

No, it is not appropriate to use "fuckup" in professional writing. It is considered vulgar and unprofessional. Use more formal alternatives instead.

What is the difference between "fuckup" and "mistake"?

"Fuckup" is a more vulgar and informal term for a "mistake". While both refer to an error, "fuckup" carries a stronger negative connotation.