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• F-word
  F-word

  noun

  a euphemism for the word fuck .
• f-word
  f-word

  noun

  (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the word fuck

F-word

American  

[ef-wurd] / ˈɛfˌwɜrd /

Also f word or f-word

noun

1. a euphemism for the word fuck .

   The f-word came into English in the 15th century.

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f-word British  

noun

1. taboo (sometimes capital) a euphemistic way of referring to the word fuck

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Etymology

Origin of F-word

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“The government is afraid of the F-word — famine, that is,” said an aid worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

From New York Times • Nov. 6, 2022

O’Rourke told a voter who asked about his language: “Great point, and I don’t intend to use the F-word going forward. Point taken, and very strongly made. ... We’re going to keep it clean.”

From Fox News • Mar. 17, 2019

When asked if she was a feminist she did not use the F-word and stressed her love for men – as if pre-empting an attack.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2016

The F-word seldom appears in Shirley Jackson, although Franklin makes frequent reference to Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, a book that does capture some of the confusion and dissatisfaction of Jackson’s life and work.

From Slate • Oct. 5, 2016

This can be a tough sell, though he notes that when he omits the F-word — feminism — he does better.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2015