phut adv.
In phrases
to come to an abrupt end; spec., of a couple, to divorce.
Story of Gadsbys (1889) 55: The whole thing went phut. She wrote to say that there had been a mistake. | ||
Civil & Milit. Gaz. (Lahore) 18 Oct. 4/3: If we wos [i.e. generals] — where’ your army? — Gone fut. | ||
Carry on, Jeeves 138: Biffy, the poor spineless fish, had lost his nerve. My closely reasoned scheme had gone phut. | ||
On Broadway 3 Sept. [synd. col.] Larry Kent and June Collyer have phffft. | ||
(con. 1914–18) Songs and Sl. of the British Soldier 128: Gone Phutt.—Crashed, collapsed, lost favour. | ||
Right Ho, Jeeves 80: Uncle Tom would see a hundred Milady’s Boudoirs go phut rather than take the rap. | ||
AS XI:3 198: Went pfft. | ‘American Euphemisms for Dying’ in||
Round the Clock at Volari’s, 10: She was one of the reasons his marriage had gone pffft. | ||
Guardian 2 July 21: The microphones had gone phut. | ||
(con. 1962) Enchanters 9: She says rough-trade boys abducted her [...] She glommed brief headlines and saw it go pffft. |
In exclamations
(Aus.) a euph. for get fucked! excl.
Storms of Summer 297: ‘Cut the big talk,’ said Charles contemptuously. ‘Ah . . . get phut!’ said Bluey carelessly. |