ENGLISH
REFERENCE

screwed, blued and tattooed

idiom
Meaning

Placed in a perplexing, very difficult situation, especially a situation in which one has been unjustly victimized.


Origin

disputed origin

From screwed (“fornicated”) + blewed (“blown, experienced fellatio”) + tattooed. Describes the ideal experience of a sailor during a short shore leave.

Examples
SIMPLE

After the scam, he felt completely screwed, blued and tattooed.

CONTEXTUAL

When the company fired everyone without notice or pay, the employees felt totally screwed, blued and tattooed.

COMPLEX

Left with no legal recourse after the contract was voided, the small business owner realized he was well and truly screwed, blued and tattooed.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    screwed up

    Morally reprehensible; clearly and grossly objectionable.

© 2026 English Reference