crappy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈæpi/
US
- /ˈkræˌpi/
Description
- very bad
- poor quality
- unpleasant
- feeling sick
"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!
The word "crappy" is an informal and somewhat vulgar adjective used to describe something as being extremely poor quality, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory. It originates from the word "crap," which itself refers to excrement – so its origins are decidedly not polite! However, over time, "crappy" has become a widely understood (though still considered slang) way to express strong disapproval.
It can apply to physical objects: "The build quality of this phone is really crappy." It can describe experiences: "We had a crappy vacation because it rained the whole time." And it can even be used to characterize someone's mood or situation: "I'm feeling pretty crappy today."
In that last sense, it often means you feel unwell (sick, tired) or mentally low.
While generally meaning "bad," "crappy" often carries an extra layer of frustration, annoyance, or disappointment. It suggests something isn't just substandard; it's actively irritatingly bad. It's important to note that while commonly used in casual conversation among friends, "crappy" is considered inappropriate for formal writing, professional settings, or when speaking with people you don't know well.
So, if something leaves you feeling thoroughly unimpressed and a little bit annoyed, chances are it's…well, crappy. Just choose your audience carefully before letting that word slip!
Examples
- 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
Photo apology
Sorry for the crappy photo; I took it on the bus.
- 3
Service quality
The restaurant had great reviews, but the service was crappy.
- 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
Bad mood
She was in a crappy mood after her flight got canceled.
- 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