effing

adjective or adverb

eff·​ing ˈe-fiŋ How to pronounce effing (audio)
informal
used as a euphemism for fucking
used especially as an intensive
"Shit, Bellinghausen, this is the stupidest effing stunt you've ever pulled," and we're off running again …Douglas Coupland
Mabel is absent for most of the story, but is unforgettable. "You're all effing mad", she shrieks at the five new guests …Carol Ann Duffy
On the flip side, I once received an effing cool email from Josh Brolin …Lisa Schwarzbaum

Examples of effing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Broke the record for Miami pride attendance for a performance with a effing 50,000 of you in the crowd. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024 Marketing strategist Name three of your favorite hobbies: Running, telling jokes, making money List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Fun-seeking (is that a word?), growth-minded, effing capable of anything! Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Feb. 2024 But in order to sell the effing tree, a crew first needs to move the effing trees. Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 There would be ways to keep the show going (more on that below), but Ted winning the whole effing thing — or very nearly doing so — and then Wizard of Oz-ing back to Kansas would certainly bring things to a close. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effing was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near effing

Cite this Entry

“Effing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effing. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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