up yours

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence No, "up yours" is not considered an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is a rude and crude phrase that is often used as an insult. If you are writing in a formal context, it would be best to avoid it altogether.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Watt's public persona is all up yours and in your face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

( You'll probably be forced to give up yours the next time you upgrade your phone).

Huffington Post

Up yours".

The Guardian - Sport

Up yours, capitalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Up yours, I thought.

The Guardian - Books

So up yours, anonymous critic.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

She mimes cocky, up-yours air guitar.

Independent

This up-yours attitude had guided Goody through her media career and sustained her now.

The Guardian

The other is that they just like big, vulgar, up-yours displays of wealth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Either way, as up-yours gestures go, The Last Mistress was particularly classy.

The Guardian - Film

Loud, rude, up-yours protest is what punk is all about.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "up yours" in formal writing or professional communications; reserve it for informal settings where such language is acceptable.

Common error

Do not use "up yours" in situations requiring politeness or respect. Consider the audience and context before using potentially offensive language.

Linguistic Context

The interjection phrase "up yours" functions as an expression of defiance, contempt, or dismissal. It is used to reject an idea, suggestion, or person in a rude and forceful manner. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is considered inappropriate for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "up yours" is an interjection used to express defiance or contempt, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig. However, Ludwig AI explicitly advises against its use in formal writing due to its rude and crude nature. While frequently found in news and media, its register remains informal and potentially offensive. When a similar sentiment needs to be conveyed, it's advisable to opt for milder alternatives such as "go away" or "I don't care", depending on the specific context. Therefore, writers should be mindful of the audience and setting, reserving the use of "up yours" only for situations where such language is acceptable and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go away

Direct command to leave, less crude but still dismissive.

Get lost

Similar to "go away" but implies being unwanted.

Shove it

Rejects an offer or suggestion rudely.

Get stuffed

British slang expressing annoyance or rejection.

Leave me alone

Indicates a desire for solitude and an end to interaction.

To hell with it

Expresses indifference or defiance towards something.

I don't care

Indicates a lack of concern or interest.

Forget about it

Suggests moving on from a topic or issue.

That's nonsense

Expresses disagreement and disbelief.

I refuse

Firmly states unwillingness to comply.

FAQs

What does "up yours" mean?

The phrase "up yours" is a rude and offensive expression used to show defiance, contempt, or rejection. It is similar to saying "fuck you" or "go to hell".

When is it appropriate to use "up yours"?

It is generally inappropriate to use "up yours" in formal settings, professional environments, or when addressing people you respect. It may be acceptable in very informal settings among close friends who understand the context and are not easily offended.

What can I say instead of "up yours"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go away", "get lost", or "I don't care". These alternatives vary in intensity and level of politeness.

Is "up yours" considered vulgar?

Yes, "up yours" is considered a vulgar expression. It is often used to express strong negative emotions and can be offensive to some people.