screw
The word “screw” is used to describe the movement of turning something so that it fits into a hole of some kind.
You screw a light bulb into a lamp socket.
You screw in the light bulb, and when you want to take it out you unscrew it.
A screw is also a piece of hardware that is used for putting thing together. Screws are found on cars, in houses, in furniture, inside computers, and in many, many other places.
This is a screw.
The word “screw” can be a noun or a verb:
- He screwed a screw into a piece of wood.
- He unscrewed the screw.
There are some other meanings for the word “screw” that are commonly found in American slang:
- I got screwed by that company. (They did something that caused a financial loss.)
- Try not to screw up. (Try not to make a mistake.)
- Don’t screw with that! (Don’t touch that. Leave it alone.)
- Don’t take him seriously. He’s just screwing with you. (He’s playing around or he’s intentionally making something difficult for you.)
- Screw you! (I’m very angry with you.)
- She’s screwing her boss. (She’s having a sexual relationship with her boss.)
- A delayed flight screwed up their entire vacation. (The schedule was changed and that caused problems.)
- He’s got a screw loose. (He’s crazy.)
Note: Be careful with the word “screw.” If you use it the wrong way or in the wrong setting, it can be considered a vulgar choice of words.