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duff

duff

8.2
Does not work properly and is useless
  • adjective
  • /dʌf/
  • Slang
translation icon : averiado
  • The old radio was completely duff and wouldn't turn on.

Examples

  • If the batteries are duff, the remote control won't work at all.

  • The car won't start; it must be duff.

  • He bought a duff phone that stopped working after a week.

  • This old computer is completely duff.

  • The bicycle is duff and can't be ridden since the brakes don't work.

  • He kept complaining about his duff laptop that crashes every time he tries to use it.

  • I had to throw away the duff television because it wouldn't turn on no matter what I tried.

Synonyms

dysfunctional
vsduff
96 6.1

Not working properly or doing its job

is used for things broken or useless rather than only abnormal function
on the fritz
vsduff
  • Informal
17 8.9

Not working properly, like a machine or phone

is a general word for anything broken, useless, or not working properly
janky
vsduff
  • Slang
4 8.8

Poor quality and not reliable

is about being broken or useless rather than low quality
dicky
vsduff
  • UK
9.3

A part that does not work properly or is weak, often for body parts and machines

is the neutral general term used beyond British informal contexts

Antonyms

986 3.1

Produces the intended result, for example a speech or medicine

102 4.1

Working and ready to use, for example machines or systems

81 3.2

Working correctly so it can be used

Idioms

up the duff
  • Slang
1 9.9

A woman who is expecting a baby

Compounds

plum duff
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A steamed or boiled sweet pudding made with dried fruit like raisins and currants

How Functional

working
1.0
faulty
61 3.5
duff
  • Slang
8.2
inoperable
7 7.1

Surface Forms

duff positive

Etymology

Duff (not working) grew from the same slang sense of being useless or broken, and a helpful way to remember it is to think of 'duff' as like 'done for' — not working or useless. So when something is duff it does not work properly.