screwed

Screwed is the past participle of screw and, in informal English, an adjective and verb form with several overlapping senses. It can describe a situation in which someone is in trouble or disadvantaged, something that has been fastened with screws, or the act of coercing or cheating someone. The term also appears in slang and cultural contexts beyond ordinary language.

Etymology and development: The core sense derives from the physical action of using a screw to fasten or tighten something. From that mechanical sense, the word broadened to figurative uses such as binding or constraining someone, and later to describe situations perceived as unfair or disadvantageous. In slang, screw has various connotations, including sexual slang, which can extend the meaning of screwed to describe having had sex, though this usage is informal and explicit.

Common uses and phrases: As an adjective, screwed often means being in a difficult or hopeless situation, as in “We’re screwed if this deadline isn’t met.” It can also describe being cheated or ripped off, as in “I got screwed by that deal.” The phrasal verb screwed over means to treat someone unfairly, while screwed up indicates making a mistake or ruining something. The phrase “screwed in” refers to the physical fastening with screws.

Mechanical sense: In engineering and carpentry, a screw is a threaded fastener, and to be screwed is to have been fastened with such a hardware piece, or to tighten it in place.

Cultural notes: The term appears in music culture as “screwed and chopped,” a style associated with DJ Screw that slows songs down. Because of its varied meanings, context is important to interpret screwed accurately. See also screw (disambiguation).