Shana
What's the difference of 'screw up' and 'mess up"? Can I say "I failed the exam, I screwed up / messed up"?
Dec 29, 2021 2:57 AM
Answers · 15
2
Yes, you can say "I screwed up or I messed up." "I failed" is a more straightforward phrase. I wouldn't say that 'screwed up' is rude but it's slang; many people say it in my country and it's not considered rude. But you wouldn't write it in a formal exam! You could use it in everyday speech with no problem. It would sound as if you really know how to speak conversational English!
December 29, 2021
2
They all mean the same thing but screw up is a bit offensive or vulgar.
December 29, 2021
1
Technically, “screw” is a euphemism: “screw up” is a softer way of saying f-up. Same thing with the insult “screw you.” It’s quite informal. Messed up is the same meaning if a bit less intense, and without the hint of vulgarity.
December 29, 2021
1
Both are informal ways to say you made mistakes or did something wrong. While not really a bad phrase to say screwed up is a bit more crass a statement than messed up but since both would best be used in informal settings not much difference.
December 29, 2021
1
"Screw you" is definitely very rude and not advised to use! Different from "I screwed up" which is quite acceptable in informal conversation.
December 29, 2021
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