verkacken
screw up
The German word "verkacken" is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar verb meaning "to mess up" or "to screw up". It originates from the prefix "ver-" and the root "kacken", which literally means "to poop" (a vulgar way to say defecate). Together, "verkacken" conveys the idea of doing something very badly or failing miserably.
Similar words:
- versemmeln (to botch)
- vermurksen (to bungle)
- vermasseln (to mess up)
Difference:
"Verkacken" is more informal and stronger in tone, often used among friends or in casual speech, while "versemmeln" and "vermasseln" are still informal but less vulgar. "Vermurken" carries a similar informal but less coarse connotation.
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Examples
Er hat die Prüfung total verkackt.verb
He totally screwed up the exam.
Wenn wir uns nicht konzentrieren, verkacken wir.verb
If we don't concentrate, we will screw up.
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