Question 1

What does "cock up" mean?

Accepted Answer

To ruin or spoil something through a careless or stupid mistake.

Question 2

How do you use "cock up" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

I completely cocked up the soufflé — I forgot to preheat the oven.

Question 3

Is "cock up" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"cock up" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Very common in British English. Can be used as a verb ('he cocked it up') or noun ('what a cock-up'). The noun form 'cock-up' is hyphenated. Considered mildly vulgar by some but widely used in British media and conversation. Not considered offensive enough to avoid in most adult contexts.

cock up

Related phrases

More with "up"