fed up
Completely frustrated or tired of a person, situation, or repeated problem.
By Cal Hewitt, Gen X · Researched from public sources · ·
What it actually means
Fed up means patience has run out after repeated annoyance, disappointment, or effort. It is a long-established informal English phrase, not a new Gen Z term. It can be mildly annoyed or strongly angry depending on context.
See the quick definition in the fed up dictionary entry.
Where it came from
The phrase uses the metaphor of being filled or saturated, like someone who has had enough to eat. Standard dictionaries record fed up as an established informal phrase; a single slang coiner is not applicable.
No single person is credited, the origin is well-documented.
Where it's popular
General English in speech, writing, work, and everyday conversation.
It is used across generations.
How it caught on
- 20th centuryFed up became established as an informal phrase for having had enough.
- presentIt remains a common general-English expression.
- online eraIt is frequently used in captions and reaction posts without changing its core meaning.
How to use it
“I am fed up with the delays.”
Repeated frustration.
“She is fed up, not just tired.”
Emphasizing exhausted patience.
Common mix-ups
Fed up does not mean physically full unless the context is food; it usually means emotionally exhausted by something.
Do you actually know it?
Fed up?
0/31. Fed up means:
2. “Fed up with delays” means:
3. Fed up is:
Related slang
Questions people ask
What does fed up mean?
Frustrated or tired of something after having enough of it.
Is fed up slang?
It is an established informal English phrase.
What is another way to say fed up?
Over it, sick of it, or tired of it.
The phrase turns a physical feeling of fullness into a metaphor for exhausted patience.
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