crap out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “crap out” mean?
To fail, stop functioning, or give up prematurely.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fail, stop functioning, or give up prematurely.
To withdraw or quit, especially due to exhaustion, lack of courage, or malfunction; to die or break down (of a machine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is arguably more common in American English. The core meaning is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a tone of mild vulgarity/informality and disappointment. In gambling contexts (to lose by rolling 'craps'), it is specifically American.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in the context of machinery or electronics failing.
Grammar
How to Use “crap out” in a Sentence
[Subject] craps out[Subject] craps out on [Object][Subject] crapped out during [Event]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crap out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- My printer's just crapped out again.
- He crapped out of the marathon after ten miles.
American English
- The transmission crapped out on the highway.
- Don't crap out on me now when I need your help!
adjective
British English
- It was a total crap-out. (informal noun use)
American English
- We had a crap-out in the second inning. (informal noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; avoid entirely.
Academic
Completely unsuitable; never used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation about broken items or someone quitting.
Technical
Not used in formal technical writing; used casually among technicians.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crap out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crap out”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe a planned stop ('The meeting crapped out at 5 pm' is wrong).
- Confusing it with 'crap' as a noun meaning 'nonsense'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal slang and mildly vulgar due to the word 'crap'. It is not highly offensive but is inappropriate for formal contexts.
Yes, it can mean a person quits, gives up, or fails to show up, e.g., 'He crapped out on our plans.' It implies letting someone down.
Informally, 'crap-out' (hyphenated) can be used as a noun, e.g., 'The event was a complete crap-out.'
Yes, in American English, in the context of dice, 'to crap out' means to lose by rolling a 2, 3, or 12. The general slang meaning of 'fail' extends from this.
To fail, stop functioning, or give up prematurely.
Crap out is usually informal, slang in register.
Crap out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræp ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræp ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The old car finally crapped out on the motorway.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TOILET (crap) with an OUT OF ORDER sign on it. It has 'crapped out' and failed to function.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS EXCREMENT / GIVING UP IS DEFECATING.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'crap out' used CORRECTLY?