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eff off

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

A rude (but slightly polite version of a swear word) way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

A euphemism for 'f*** off': to tell someone angrily or rudely to go away or stop bothering you.

"When he kept interrupting her, she finally told him to eff off and slammed the door."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic slang

Used as an expression of shock, disbelief, or surprised dismissal (similar to 'No way!' or 'You're kidding!').

"'I won the lottery!' 'Eff off — seriously?'"

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used as a written or spoken substitute for the stronger profanity. Common in British English, particularly in media where outright profanity is restricted. Can also be used as an intensifying expression of disbelief: 'Eff off — you're joking!' Considered rude even as a euphemism.

Commonly used with

told just told him to go on will you

Forms

Base
eff off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
effs off
he/she/it
Past simple
effed off
yesterday
Past participle
effed off
have + pp
-ing form
effing off
continuous

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