foul-up

[ foul-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a condition of difficulty or disorder brought on by inefficiency, stupidity, etc.
2. failure of a mechanical part to operate correctly.
3. a person who habitually makes mistakes; bungler.

foul up

verb

1. tr to bungle; mismanage
2. tr to make dirty; contaminate
3. to be or cause to be blocked, choked, or entangled

noun

1. a state of confusion or muddle caused by bungling

Word History and Origins

Origin of foul-up¹

1950–55, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase foul up

Idioms and Phrases

Blunder or cause to blunder; botch, ruin. For example, He's fouled up this report, but I think we can fix it , or Our plans were fouled up by the bad weather . This expression is widely believed to have originated as a euphemism for fuck up . [ Colloquial ; c. 1940]

Example Sentences

“The reason why you wouldn’t check a bag is that eliminates one of the foul-up points,” Brancatelli said.

From Los Angeles Times

After that, Barney steps way back, and Lee, after a major mission foul-up, is fired by his girlfriend, played by Megan Fox, who takes over the leadership role.

From Seattle Times

What had seemed like abandonment turned out to be a pet-sitting foul-up, but the owner also needed help with some veterinary issues, said Kris Lindsay, who oversees the recovery center.

From Seattle Times

But the Democrat, Daniel Schramm, later told reporters he would vote to certify on Wednesday, after having time to confirm that the foul-up didn’t disenfranchise any voters.

From Seattle Times

Mark Finchem, Republican candidate for Secretary of State, called the foul-up “unacceptable performance.”

From Washington Times