Word: Bollocks up
Part of Speech: Verb (phrasal verb)
Meaning: To make a mess of something or to ruin it. It describes a situation where something goes wrong due to mistakes or poor handling.
Usage Instructions:
"Bollocks up" is informal and often considered slang. It is more commonly used in British English than in American English.
It is typically used in casual conversation, so it might not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings.
Example:
"I really bollocksed up my presentation; I forgot all my main points."
"He bollocksed up the recipe, and we ended up with a burnt cake."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "bollocks up" can refer to any situation where something is mishandled, not just physical tasks. For example, "The company bollocksed up the project timeline, leading to delays."
Word Variants:
Bollocks (noun): In British slang, "bollocks" can also refer to nonsense or something that is not true. For example, "That’s a load of bollocks!" means "That’s nonsense!"
Bollocking (noun): This refers to a severe reprimand or scolding. For example, "He got a bollocking from his boss for being late."
Different Meanings:
Synonyms:
Mess up
Screw up
Botch
Ruin
Fumble
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Screw up: Similar in meaning, used in both British and American English. For example, "I really screwed up the meeting."
Mess up: Another synonym that is widely understood. For example, "I messed up my chance for a promotion."
Botch: Often used for tasks that are poorly done. For example, "He botched the repair job."
Summary:
"Bollocks up" is a casual way to say that something has been messed up or ruined.