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Meaning & use

f-bombs

noun·Advancedinformalvulgar

Last updated

UK/ˈef bɒmz/
US/ˈef bɑːmz/
Usage warning: this word is vulgar. It can hurt or insult people. Learn to recognise it, but avoid using it about anyone.

Meanings

  1. nounpluralinformalvulgar

    Instances of the strong swear word beginning with F, especially when it is spoken loudly or dropped suddenly into a conversation.

    Grammar: Usually plural; the singular is 'f-bomb', and it is normally written with a hyphen.

    Patterns

    • drop an f-bomb
    • drop f-bombs
    • let loose with f-bombs

    The comedian dropped a couple of f-bombs in the first minute of his set.

    Her speech was full of f-bombs, which surprised the older guests.

    He apologized for the f-bombs he let slip during the live interview.

  2. nouncountableinformalvulgar

    The act of using this swear word, treated as a single countable event, especially in public.

    Grammar: Used in the singular when you mean one occasion; use 'f-bombs' for several.

    Patterns

    • an f-bomb
    • another f-bomb
    • the first f-bomb of the night

    Broadcasters risk a fine if a f-bomb goes out live.

    That was the third f-bomb in a two-minute clip.

    The show was briefly taken off air after a f-bomb.

Word forms

singularf-bomb

Common combinations

drop an f-bomb
He dropped a f-bomb when he stubbed his toe.
drop f-bombs
The panelists kept dropping f-bombs, so the editors bleeped them.
let loose with f-bombs
After the goal was disallowed, the coach let loose with f-bombs.
full of f-bombs
The recording is full of f-bombs and probably not safe for work.
bleep out the f-bombs
The TV version bleeps out the f-bombs.

Synonyms and how they differ

swear words
A general, much milder term for any rude words; 'f-bombs' points specifically at this one very strong word.
profanity
A formal, neutral way to talk about offensive language in general, not one particular word.
expletives
A formal word often used in news reports for swear words, and it sounds less blunt than 'f-bombs'.

Word family

f-bomb noun
The singular form, meaning one use of this swear word.
f-bombing adjective
Informal and vulgar; describes something that contains a lot of this swear word.

Commonly confused: f-bombs or F-bomb?

f-bombs vs F-bomb

Same word, just the singular spelling; 'f-bombs' is simply the plural.

Practice

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