crud
Pronunciation
/ˈkɹəd/

Definition & Meaning of "crud"in English

01

used to express frustration, annoyance, or minor disappointment

crud definition and meaning
Euphemistic
Informal

What is the origin of the exclamation "crud" and how is it used?

Crud is an exclamation used to express frustration, annoyance, or minor disappointment. It appeared in American and British English in the mid-20th century as a mild, inoffensive alternative to stronger swear words, likely derived from the word for dirt or filth. People used it in everyday conversation, children's speech, and media to react to small setbacks or mistakes without vulgarity. Today it is inoffensive, casual, and lightly expressive, often signaling irritation or minor frustration in a playful or gentle way.

Examples
Crud, I missed the train.
Crud
01

a minor sickness or feeling of being unwell, often without a clear diagnosis

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Simple
Uncountable
Plural form
cruds
Examples
I think I 've caught some kind of crud going around the office.
02

a substance, mess, or residue that looks gross or unclean

Informal
Examples
The filter was clogged with black crud.
03

a type of thick, soggy snow that's difficult and unpleasant to ski on

Examples
The slopes were covered in crud after the sudden thaw.
04

someone seen as dishonest, selfish, or generally unlikeable

Informal
Offensive
Examples
That crud lied to everyone to save himself.
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