The spelling of the phrase "more screwed" is often confusing, as it is not always clear whether to use "screwed" or "screws." The correct spelling is "screwed," pronounced /skruːd/, with the "oo" sound, as opposed to "screws," which is pronounced with a long "u" sound, /skruːz/. To remember the correct spelling, it may be helpful to associate it with the past tense of the verb "to screw," as in "I screwed up."
"More screwed" is an idiomatic expression used to depict a situation that is even more dire, challenging, or unfavorable than it already was. It conveys an intensified sense of being in a difficult or disadvantageous position, often implying that the likelihood of a satisfactory outcome is diminished or unlikely. This phrase is commonly utilized in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or colloquial language.
The adjective "screwed" in this context stems from the verb "to screw," which generally means to fasten or tighten something using a screw or similar tool. In a figurative sense, the term evolved to describe situations in which individuals or circumstances were put under pressure, trapped, or confronted with obstacles.
When expressing that a situation is "more screwed," it implies that the circumstances have worsened or that additional negative factors have arisen. This might be due to a series of unfortunate events, the accumulation of unfavorable consequences, or a sudden turn of events for the worse. Consequently, the phrase emphasizes the amplified difficulty or adversity faced by individuals or entities involved in that specific situation.
Overall, "more screwed" is an idiomatic phrase that effectively conveys a heightened level of adversity or disadvantage in various scenarios, and it is used to emphasize the gravity of a difficult circumstance.
The term "more screwed" is formed by combining the adjective "screwed" with the comparative form "more". The etymology of the word "screwed" can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it originated as a slang expression in American English. The verb "screw" had long been used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse, but over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning of being in a difficult, unfavorable, or problematic situation. The use of "screwed" in this sense became more widespread in the mid-20th century. The addition of "more" before "screwed" simply intensifies the meaning, expressing a higher degree of being in trouble or difficulty.