Astute vs Screwed - What's the difference?
astute | screwed |
quickly and critically discerning
shrewd or crafty
* 2014 , A teacher, "
(slang) beset with unfortunate circumstances that seem difficult or impossible to overcome; in imminent danger.
(slang, British) intoxicated.
* James Joyce, Dubliners
(screw)
* 1641 , Richard Chambers (merchant), quoted in Hannis Taylor, The Origin and Growth of the English Constitution: An Historical Treatise, Part II: The After-Growth of the Constitution , H.O. Houghton & Company (1889),
As adjectives the difference between astute and screwed
is that astute is quickly and critically discerning while screwed is (slang) beset with unfortunate circumstances that seem difficult or impossible to overcome; in imminent danger.As a verb screwed is
(screw).astute
English
Adjective
(er)Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents", The Guardian , 23 September 2014:
- The best headteachers are like submarine captains – cool-headed, astute decision-makers – who trust their colleagues and surroundings to indicate where their ship is headed.
Synonyms
* crafty, shrewd, wilyDerived terms
* astutely * astutenessAnagrams
* ----screwed
English
Adjective
(en adjective)- They found out about our betrayal, so now we're screwed .
- Besides they were dreadfully afraid that Freddy Malins might turn up screwed . They would not wish for worlds that any of Mary Jane's pupils should see him under the influence
Usage notes
* Often employed as a bowdlerization, or substitution, for (fucked).Synonyms
* (sense) fucked, dicked, shagged (British)Derived terms
*See also
* screwed upUsage notes
Because the sexual act as a metaphor for domination is a frequent association for the term 'screwed', it is potentially offensive in polite circles.Verb
(head)- He screwed the boards together tightly.
- I got screwed at the swap meet yesterday.
p. 274,
- […] merchants are in no part of the world so screwed as in England. In Turkey, they have more encouragement.