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screwed - What does it mean?

Definition of 'screwed'

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • (slang) beset with unfortunate circumstances that seem difficult or impossible to overcome; in imminent danger.
    • They found out about our betrayal, so now we're screwed .
  • (slang|British) intoxicated.
  • * James Joyce, Dubliners
    • Besides they were dreadfully afraid that Freddy Malins might turn up screwed . They would not wish for worlds that any of Mary Jane's pupils should see him under the influence

    Usage notes

    * Often employed as a bowdlerization, or substitution, for (fucked).

    Synonyms

    * (sense) fucked, dicked, shagged (British)

    Derived terms

    *

    See also

    * screwed up

    Usage notes

    Because the sexual act as a metaphor for domination is a frequent association for the term 'screwed', it is potentially offensive in polite circles.

    Verb

    (head)
  • (screw)
    • He screwed the boards together tightly.
    I got screwed at the swap meet yesterday.
  • * 1641 , Richard Chambers (merchant), quoted in Hannis Taylor, The Origin and Growth of the English Constitution: An Historical Treatise, Part II: The After-Growth of the Constitution , H.O. Houghton & Company (1889), p. 274,
    • […] merchants are in no part of the world so screwed as in England. In Turkey, they have more encouragement.

    References

    Similar to 'screwed'

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