epic fail

American  

noun

Slang.

1. a spectacularly embarrassing or humorous mistake, humiliating situation, etc., that is subject to ridicule and given a greatly exaggerated importance.

2. a person who fails in this way.

   He thought he was being funny and charming, but no, he was an epic fail.

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Usage

What else does epic fail mean? When someone spectacularly messes up at something—especially little or simple things done or shared in public, like misspelling one's own name on an official form or getting rejected for a kiss on the Jumbotron—people might joke about it as an epic fail.How is epic fail pronounced?[ep-ic feyl]

Etymology

Origin of epic fail

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

While the report, by Virginia-based consulting firm McChrystal Group, confirmed The Times’ reporting that first revealed the late evacuation orders, it did not detail exactly who or what was responsible for the breakdown, which county officials have previously called “an epic fail.”

From Los Angeles Times

There's no end of flak that can be flung at Russell Martin for the epic fail that is his project at Rangers.

From BBC

First she’d set Brooklyn up for an epic fail only to see her turn it into a huge victory.

From Literature

A so-called Willy Wonka “immersive experience” in Glasgow, Scotland, was such an epic fail that it left children in tears and inspired angry ticket holders, who anticipated a good time for their families, to call the police.

From Salon

From my parents’ awful plan to give up Sir Fig Newton for adoption, to my epic fail with the lemonade stand.

From Literature