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Turfed: meaning, definitions and examples

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turfed

 

[ tÉœrft ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

removal from place

The term 'turfed' refers to the act of removing someone from a place or situation, often in a dismissive or abrupt manner. This term can be used in contexts where someone is expelled or discharged, sometimes indicating a lack of respect. It originated from the slang use of 'turf' as to mean territory or home ground, implying that one's place is being taken away. 'Turfing' can often have negative connotations, suggesting that the person removed is not welcome in that space anymore.

Synonyms

dismissed, expelled, ousted

Examples of usage

  • He was turfed out of the club for bad behavior.
  • She felt turfing her from the team was unfair.
  • The committee had turf the outsider without discussion.

Etymology

The word 'turf' originally comes from the Middle English 'turf', meaning a piece of grass or sod, which has its roots in Old English 'turf', also meaning a mound or a patch of earth. Over time, the term began to encompass not only the literal meaning of grass or grassy area but also began to represent the idea of one's territory or domain. As slang developed, particularly in English-speaking urban areas, 'turf' started to acquire connotations of ownership and belonging. The transformation into the verb 'turf' came about mainly during the late 20th century, reflecting societal changes in how we perceive community and ownership. The evolution highlights not only language change but also shifts in social dynamics, where being 'turfed' from a space suggests a loss of personal belonging and identity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,755, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.