How Do You Spell STUFF UP?

Pronunciation: [stˈʌf ˈʌp] (IPA)

Correct spelling for the English word "stuff up" is [stˈʌf ˈʌp], [stˈʌf ˈʌp], [s_t_ˈʌ_f ˈʌ_p] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

STUFF UP Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "stuff up" is an idiomatic expression that originated in colloquial English. It is primarily used as a verb phrase to indicate making a mistake or error, typically resulting in a negative outcome. It is often employed in informal conversations and has a slightly informal connotation.

    To "stuff up" is to mishandle or bungle a task, leading to an unsuccessful outcome or undesirable consequences. It implies a deviation from the intended or expected course of action due to a mistake, oversight, or poor judgment. This expression can be used in a variety of contexts, such as personal or professional situations, and pertains to both minor and significant blunders.

    The phrase "stuff up" carries a sense of regret, frustration, or disappointment, emphasizing the error made and its negative impact. It signifies a failure to execute a task accurately or proficiently, resulting in disruption, inconvenience, or discontentment for oneself or others involved.

    While "stuff up" is synonymous with terms like mess up, screw up, or blunder, its informal nature renders it more common in conversational language rather than formal writing. The phrase is widely used among English speakers, primarily in informal settings, to communicate a sense of mistake or mishap, acknowledging the misstep and emphasizing its effects.

Common Misspellings for STUFF UP

  • stuffe-up

Etymology of STUFF UP

The term "stuff up" is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in colloquial English. Its etymology is derived from the word "stuff", which originally comes from Middle English "stouf", meaning materials, or household belongings. The verb "stuff" refers to filling or packing something tightly with material or objects.

The addition of the preposition "up" creates a phrasal verb that conveys the notion of filling or packing something in a way that results in a mistake, failure, or disruption. Over time, the expression "stuff up" has evolved to generally indicate making an error, messing up, or causing something to go wrong.

Idioms with the word STUFF UP

  • stuff up "Stuff up" is an idiom that means to make a mistake or to ruin something through negligence or incompetence. It can also mean to mess something up or to cause a failure due to a careless or foolish action.