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eff

v.
C2 Proficiency UK //ˌiːˌɛfˈɛf// eff Humorous Slang

v. a polite way to say the 'F-word' without actually saying it. You use it when you are angry or want to be funny but don't want to be too rude.

v. to use the word 'fuck' or a euphemistic substitute for it. Often used in the phrase 'effing and blinding' to describe someone swearing profusely.


SIMPLE

He was so angry that he started to eff and blind.

CONTEXTUAL

The comedian managed to eff and blind his way through the entire set without actually offending the older audience members.

COMPLEX

While the script was peppered with characters who would eff and blind at the slightest provocation, the director insisted on a more nuanced delivery to avoid a restrictive age rating.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

A variant spelling of the letter f, the initial letter of fuck. Compare pee.

Etymology 2

Back-formation from ineffable, ultimately from Latin effor (“utter”).

Usage

Often used as an intransitive verb in the fixed idiom 'effing and blinding'; can also function as a transitive euphemism.

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