Search results for 'screw':

screw noun 1 a small metal cylinder with a spiral ridge or thread down the shaft and a slot in its head, driven into position in wood, etc by rotation using a screwdriver, usually used as a fastening device. 2 any object similar in shape or function. 3 the turn or twist of a screw. 4 snooker, billiards a shot in which the cue ball is subjected to sidespin or backspin. 5 slang a prison officer. 6 coarse slang an act of sexual intercourse. 7 a screw propeller or a ship driven by one. 8 a thumbscrew. 9 colloq wages or salary. verb (screwed, screwing) 1 to twist (a screw) into place. 2 to push or pull with a twisting action. 3 colloq to swindle or cheat. 4 snooker, billiards to put sidespin or backspin on (the cue ball). 5 tr & intr, coarse slang to have sexual intercourse with someone. screwer noun. have one's head screwed on or screwed on the right way colloq to be a sensible person. have a screw loose colloq to be slightly mad or crazy. put the screws on someone colloq to use force or pressure on them.
ETYMOLOGY: a reference to thumbscrews, an old instrument of torture. screw or pluck up one's courage to prepare oneself or become confident enough for an ordeal or difficulty. screw it, them, you, etc: coarse slang an exclamation of disgust, frustration, scorn, etc.
ETYMOLOGY: 15c: from French escroue, ultimately from Latin scrofa sow², because of the resemblance between a pig's curly tail and the thread of the screw.