screw up

[jeboy]

I noticed that "screw up" is being used in different occasions and i find it a little confusing sometimes, may i ask for some help to enlighten me regarding it's proper use. thank you in advance

 

[Barb_D]

To screw something up means to make mistakes so that it doesn't turn out as intended.
A screw up is a person who constantly makes those types of mistakes.

 

[emsr2d2]

I have noticed that "screw up" is being used in different [STRIKE]occasions[/STRIKE] ways and I find it a little confusing sometimes. May I ask for some help to enlighten me regarding [STRIKE]it's[/STRIKE] its proper use? Thank you in advance.

You can also "screw up" a piece of paper. This will be the result:



You can also screw something up for someone. That means that you take action on purpose to make sure that something goes wrong for them. "They're getting married on Saturday but I'm going to go to the church and tell everyone that he is already married to someone else. That'll screw it up for them!"

 

[Natalie1991]

It means to make a mistake. "I screwed up" is a common saying. A person can also say "I messed up" and it means the same thing. Also, you can call a person a screw up as an insult. You are calling them a mistake, or that something did not go right with them and they are stupid, ect.. What types of situations are you finding it in that makes it confusing? We can help you more if you elaborate.

 

[mgunde01]

To add to the previously mentioned meanings, "screwed up" can also refer to something that has been damaged or destroyed. "The house got screwed up during the storm."

 

[5jj]

To add to the previously mentioned meanings, "screwed up" can also refer to something that has been damaged or destroyed. "The house got screwed up during the storm."

That would sound strange in BrE.