Differences between mess up and rough up
Mess up means to make a mistake or to ruin something, while rough up means to treat someone roughly or violently.
Meanings and Definitions: mess up vs rough up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Mess up
- 1Spoil or ruin.
They MESSED UP the discussions and the contract fell through.
- 2Make something untidy or dirty.
They MESSED UP the room and left stuff all over the place.
- 3Cause mental, physical or emotional problems.
He took a lot of LSD and it really MESSED him UP.
Rough up
- 1Assault.
The mugger ROUGHED him UP when he refused to hand his wallet over.
Usage Examples: mess up, rough up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
mess up
Example
I didn't mean to mess up your plans for the weekend.
Example
She always messes up her room when she's looking for something.
rough up
Example
The bullies threatened to rough up the new kid.
Example
He roughs up anyone who disagrees with him.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mess up
screw up
To make a serious mistake or error that has negative consequences.
Example
He screwed up the presentation by forgetting his notes and stumbling over his words.
To make a mistake or error, especially in a performance or public speaking.
Example
He flubbed his lines during the play and had to improvise to cover up the mistake.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rough up
beat up
To physically assault or attack someone.
Example
He was beaten up by a group of bullies on his way home from school.
To handle someone roughly or aggressively, often involving physical force.
Example
The security guards manhandled the protester out of the building.
To engage in rough or rowdy play, often involving physical contact.
Example
The kids were roughhousing in the backyard and accidentally broke a window.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “mess”
Differences in mess up vs rough up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: mess up or rough up?
In daily conversation, people use mess up more often than rough up. This is because mess up is used for more common situations such as making a mistake or ruining something. Rough up is not used as much and is mainly used in specific contexts such as describing a physical altercation. So, while both phrases are used, mess up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of mess up and rough up
Mess up and rough up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of mess up and rough up
The tone of mess up and rough up can differ based on context. Mess up often carries a regretful or apologetic tone when related to making a mistake or ruining something, while rough up typically has an aggressive or threatening tone, especially when referring to treating someone roughly or violently.
