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."
inseparable
eff off
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
A euphemistic way of saying 'f*** off' — to tell someone rudely to go away or to express anger.
In plain English
A rude (but slightly polite version of a swear word) way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone.
What does "eff off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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?'"
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "eff off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
told just told him to go on will you
How to conjugate "eff off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "eff off" in the wild
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