feck
C1/C2Informal, Slang
Definition
Meaning
A euphemistic, mild expletive or intensifier, primarily in Irish English; also used to mean 'spirit', 'effectiveness', or 'vigor'.
As a verb: to steal, to search for something. As a noun: a worthless person. As an exclamation: a mild substitute for the F-word, expressing annoyance, surprise, or contempt.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A polysemous word with core meanings of 'force' or 'effect' (Scottish, archaic) and its more famous euphemistic usage. Highly context-dependent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly associated with Irish English; not standard in British English and almost entirely absent in American English outside Irish communities.
Connotations
In Irish English: often humorous, irreverent, mildly taboo. In other dialects: archaic or simply unknown.
Frequency
High frequency in Ireland; very low to zero elsewhere.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
EXCLAMATION: Feck!VERB + PARTICLE: to feck offQUANTIFIER + NOUN: a feck of a...DET + NOUN: the feck...INTENSIFIER + NOUN: a complete feckVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “feck all (nothing at all)”
- “a feck of a... (a hell of a...)”
- “can't be fecked (can't be bothered)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoid entirely; highly unprofessional.
Academic
Only in linguistic or cultural studies of Irish English.
Everyday
Common in informal Irish speech; otherwise very rare.
Technical
No technical usage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He fecked off to the pub without telling anyone.
- Who's fecked the last biscuit?
American English
- (Not used in AmE; example provided would be misunderstood.)
adverb
British English
- It's fecking freezing outside.
- He ran fecking fast.
American English
- (Not used in AmE.)
adjective
British English
- The whole fecking computer crashed again.
- That's a fecking disaster!
American English
- (Not used in AmE.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too advanced for A2; no typical examples.)
- "Feck it, I'm not waiting any longer," she said, leaving the queue.
- He's done feck all all day.
- After a feck of a journey, we finally arrived at the remote cottage.
- You can't just feck off when things get difficult.
- The government's new policy has no fecking use for ordinary people.
- He's got the feck to ask for a raise after that performance?
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Irish sitcom 'Father Ted' where the character Father Jack frequently shouts "Feck!" to soften the taboo word.
Conceptual Metaphor
TABOO AS A MILD SUBSTITUTE (A less potent version of a forbidden concept).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "фиг" (fig) or "блин" (blin) which are also mild substitutes, as "feck" is culturally specific to Ireland.
- Never translate directly in formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it outside of an Irish context and expecting to be understood.
- Overusing it as a learner, which can sound unnatural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'feck' MOST appropriate and understood?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a mild, euphemistic substitute for a stronger swear word, considered much less offensive but still informal and slightly taboo, especially in Ireland.
In the UK, it may be recognized due to cultural exposure (e.g., Irish media), but it is not native British slang. In the US, it is almost entirely unknown outside Irish-American communities and is likely to cause confusion.
'Feck' carries a fraction of the offensive power and is used more for humorous emphasis or mild irritation, whereas the F-word is a strong, universally recognized expletive.
Yes, archaic Scottish/English meanings include 'efficacy', 'vigor', or 'the greater part' (as in 'the feck of the army'), but these are now largely obsolete.