eff

¹ American  

[ef] / ɛf /

verb (used with or without object)

1. fuck.

   Stop effing around and get to work!

   Eff you, you lout!

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noun

1. the word “fuck”; the f-word.

   peppering his speech with superfluous and highly offensive effs.

verb phrase

1. eff off Go away!.

   Eff off and die, you piece of Martian scum!

eff. ² American  

abbreviation

1. efficient, efficiency.

2. effective, effectiveness.

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eff British  

/ ɛf /

verb

1. taboo euphemism for fuck

   eff off

2. slang to use obscene language

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Other Word Forms

• effing noun

Etymology

Origin of eff

1940–45; euphemism for fuck, with eff as spelled form of the name of the initial letter

Example Sentences

It explains why so many older women develop that fabulous “no effs given” attitude that sends them barging into the front of any line they see.

From Los Angeles Times

The water “effs” along; everything that comes down the river is some kind of “sprung”; time spent alone is “sheesh” time; and being called a “harpiedoodle” is not a compliment.

From New York Times

His esses are like zeds, and his effs are like vees.

From Literature

In that story, the poor rich boy ended up adrift and motherless; here, he’s unleashed himself upon the world with zero effs to give and a whole lot of lip to serve.

From Salon

“When you give zero effs about the summer body standards,” he said.

From New York Times