verb

frak

Frak (verb) means a fictional swear word used as a stand-in for a much stronger curse, expressing anger, frustration, or shock. Example: “Frak!" the pilot shouted as the engine died mid-flight.”

verb

A fictional swear word used as a stand-in for a much stronger curse, expressing anger, frustration, or shock.

""Frak!" the pilot shouted as the engine died mid-flight."

"He muttered that the whole plan was frakked from the start."

How to use frak

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA made-up curse word from science fiction, used exactly where you would use a much ruder word.

Memory tip

You will mostly meet this in sci-fi shows, fan writing, or jokey conversation among fans — it is not standard English outside that context.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

what the frak frakking frak it all

Word forms

frakked past tense, fraks singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"_____!" the pilot shouted as the engine died mid-flight.

Etymology

Invented for the TV series Battlestar Galactica as a family-friendly substitute for a real profanity, later spelled "frak" (originally "frack") specifically so it would keep the same four-letter shape as the word it replaces.

Frequently asked questions

What does “frak” mean?

The word “frak” means a fictional swear word used as a stand-in for a much stronger curse, expressing anger, frustration, or shock. In plain terms, a made-up curse word from science fiction, used exactly where you would use a much ruder word.

How do you pronounce “frak”?

“Frak” is pronounced frak (/fɹæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “frak” in a sentence?

Here is “frak” used in a sentence: “"Frak!" the pilot shouted as the engine died mid-flight.”

What part of speech is “frak”?

“Frak” is a verb.