1 C1 idiomatic slang
To attack and beat someone, typically causing them physical injury.
"He was duffed up by a gang outside the stadium after the match."
separable
duff up
C1 slang separable transitive
(British informal) To attack and physically beat someone up.
In plain English
To hit someone a lot and hurt them badly.
What does "duff up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Distinctly British English slang. Common in informal speech, crime narratives, and tabloid journalism in the UK. Not used in American English. Considered rude and unsuitable for formal contexts. Usually implies a group or single attacker beating a victim.
Words that pair with "duff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
badly gang thugs street rival
How to conjugate "duff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
duff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
duffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
duffed up
yesterday
Past participle
duffed up
have + pp
-ing form
duffing up
continuous
Hear "duff up" in the wild
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