ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crappy

adj.
US //ˈkɹæˌpi// UK //kɹˈæpi// crap·py
  1. 1 poor quality (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Vulgar

    of very poor quality or badly made.

    of inferior quality, poorly constructed, or generally unsatisfactory.

    Example

    I bought a crappy umbrella that broke the first time it rained.

    Example

    The contractor used crappy materials to save money, resulting in several structural issues within the first year of the building's completion.

    Usage

    Commonly used to describe products, services, or artistic works.

    Teacher's tip

    While common in casual speech, this word is considered mildly vulgar; students should avoid it in professional or academic settings.
  2. 2 unpleasant situation (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Vulgar

    unpleasant, annoying, or making you feel bad.

    evoking a sense of unpleasantness, frustration, or general dissatisfaction.

    Example

    It was a crappy day at work because the computers kept crashing.

    Example

    After a series of crappy coincidences, the team found themselves stranded at the airport without their luggage or hotel reservations.
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  1. 3 feeling sick or sad (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Vulgar

    feeling ill, tired, or unhappy.

    experiencing a state of physical malaise or emotional depression.

    Example

    I've been feeling really crappy all morning, so I might go home early.

    Example

    She felt crappy for several days after the flu vaccine, though the doctor assured her it was a normal immune response.

    Usage

    Often follows the verbs 'feel' or 'look'.

    Teacher's tip

    In American and Canadian English, this is a very common way to describe a minor illness or a bad mood.
Origin

From crap + -y.

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