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crappy

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /krˈæpi/

US

  • /ˈkræˌpi/

Description

"Crappy" isn't exactly a word your grandmother would use at the dinner table, but it's a common way to describe something that is really, really bad. It can mean something is poorly made – like a "crappy plastic toy" that breaks after five minutes. But it also describes experiences or situations: a "crappy day" filled with misfortune, or a "crappy movie" you regret watching.

It can also describe how you feel: "I feel crappy" often means you feel sick, tired, or just down.

Think of it as stronger than "bad," but not quite as harsh as some other swear words. It's often used to express frustration or disappointment in an informal way. You might say "This coffee is crappy!" if it tastes terrible, or "I had a really crappy commute this morning" if traffic was awful. Be mindful of your audience, though—while common in casual conversation, it's best avoided in formal settings!

Examples

  1. 1

    Cheap product

    I bought a cheap charger online, and it turned out to be pretty crappy.

    • Usage

      crappy is informal and a little rude; use it mainly in casual speech

  2. 2

    Photo apology

    Sorry for the crappy photo; I took it on the bus.

  3. 3

    Service quality

    The restaurant had great reviews, but the service was crappy.

  4. 4

    Feeling sick

    I've felt crappy all morning, so I'm going home early.

    • Phrase

      feel crappy

      feel physically bad, often a little sick

  5. 5

    Bad mood

    She was in a crappy mood after her flight got canceled.

  6. 6

    Weak excuse

    They gave us a crappy excuse for missing the deadline.

    • Phrase

      crappy excuse

      a weak excuse that does not sound believable

Forms and spellings

3 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • crappyadjective

Forms

  • crappiestsuperlativeadjective
  • crappiercomparativeadjective