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adj

screwy

SKROO-ee

Screwy (adj) means Strange, ridiculous, or not making sense. Example: “That's a screwy way to run a business.”

adj
1
Strange, ridiculous, or not making sense.
"That's a screwy way to run a business."
"The plot of the movie got increasingly screwy."
2
(dated, informal) Slightly drunk.
"He got a bit screwy after two pints."

How to use screwy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWeird or nonsensical, in an informal, slightly comic way.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
screwy idea sounds screwy a screwy plan

Word forms

screwier comparative, more screwy comparative, screwiest superlative, most screwy superlative

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That's a _____ way to run a business.

Etymology

From screw + -y. Originally (1820s) meant "tipsy," and only later, by the 1880s, came to mean "crazy" or "odd."

· First attested 1820

Class of 1820 screwy joined the language around 1820.
See the full Class of 1820 →

Rhymes for screwy

See all rhymes for screwy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “screwy” mean?

The word “screwy” means strange, ridiculous, or not making sense. In plain terms, weird or nonsensical, in an informal, slightly comic way.

How do you pronounce “screwy”?

“Screwy” is pronounced SKROO-ee (/ˈskɹuː.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “screwy” in a sentence?

Here is “screwy” used in a sentence: “That's a screwy way to run a business.”

What part of speech is “screwy”?

“Screwy” is an adjective.

Where does the word “screwy” come from?

The word “screwy” dates back to around 1820. From screw + -y. Originally (1820s) meant "tipsy," and only later, by the 1880s, came to mean "crazy" or "odd.".

How many meanings does “screwy” have?

“Screwy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strange, ridiculous, or not making sense.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial