Cool MateThat's fucked up vs That's messed up
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's fucked up
VulgarTop 2,000 (common)
That's messed up
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: That's messed up
| That's fucked up | That's messed up | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts fʌkt ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts fʌkt ʌp// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts mɛst ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts mɛst ʌp// |
| Meaning | It means something is very wrong or unfair. | That is unfair or wrong. |
| Example | When I heard they fired her for no reason, I thought, 'That's fucked up.' | I can't believe they didn't give her a raise, that's messed up! |
| Register | Vulgar | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | say that's fucked up, think that's fucked up, feel that's fucked up | that's messed up, so messed up, really messed up |
| Common mistakes | Using in a formal context, which can be inappropriate., Confusing with lighter expressions of discontent., Not understanding the strong emotion behind the phrase. | Used in formal situations where it's inappropriate., Overuse among friends, leading to less impact., Omitting context, making the phrase unclear. |
| Usage notes | Use in informal conversations to express strong disapproval or disbelief. Avoid in formal settings. | Use when expressing shock or disapproval in casual conversations. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's fucked up vs That's messed up
What's the difference between That's fucked up and That's messed up?
That's fucked up: It means something is very wrong or unfair. That's messed up: That is unfair or wrong.
Which is more formal: That's fucked up and That's messed up?
That's messed up is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
That's fucked up: When I heard they fired her for no reason, I thought, 'That's fucked up.' That's messed up: I can't believe they didn't give her a raise, that's messed up!
Can I use That's fucked up and That's messed up interchangeably?
Not always. That's fucked up and That's messed up are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.