Eff Off (verb phrase / exclamation / British slang)
(Also heard as: Effing off, Effed off, Eff right off)
Definition:
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A slightly toned-down, polite way of saying “fuck off.” Used to tell someone to go away, leave you alone, or shut up.
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An expression of pure disbelief or shock when someone tells you something you can’t quite wrap your head around.
Where It Comes From: A classic British minced oath. It comes straight from taking the first letter of the F-word so you can tell someone where to go without getting clipped round the ear by your mum, kicked off daytime telly, or told off by the boss in the office.
How People Actually Use It: Tossed out at work when someone drops a load of extra paperwork on your desk at 4:55 PM, or when a mate tells you a wildly unbelievable piece of gossip. It’s also what you mutter under your breath when someone cuts you off at a roundabout, or what you shout when your football team concedes in the 94th minute.
Examples in the Wild:
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“He told me he bought a bottle of water at the train station for six quid and I just told him to eff off.”
Translation: I laughed in total disbelief at how ridiculous that price was.
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“Quit leaning over my shoulder while I’m typing and eff off back to your own desk.”
Translation: Stop bothering me and go away.
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“Eff right off, there’s no way you bumped into Harry Styles at the local chippy!”
Translation: You’re completely making that story up, I don’t believe you.
Similar Slang: Jog on, Do one, Clear off, Get lost, Wind your neck in, Bugger off, Hop it
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