effing
Effing (adj) means a euphemistic substitute for "fucking," used as a mild intensifier or curse. Example: “Where are my effing keys?”
How to use effing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA softened stand-in for a much stronger swear word.
Informal; used to curse while sounding slightly less crude.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Where are my _____ keys?
Etymology
Formed from eff, itself derived from the letter name of F, plus "-ing."
Frequently asked questions
What does “effing” mean?
The word “effing” means a euphemistic substitute for "fucking," used as a mild intensifier or curse. In plain terms, a softened stand-in for a much stronger swear word.
How do you pronounce “effing”?
“Effing” is pronounced EH-fihng (/ˈɛfɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “effing” in a sentence?
Here is “effing” used in a sentence: “Where are my effing keys?”
What part of speech is “effing”?
“Effing” is an adjective.