Feeling rough
RUF /rʌf/
Informal Depends on context
What it really means
Feeling unwell or terrible — from illness, tiredness or a hangover. "You look rough" is honest but not very kind. A "rough area" means a run-down or unsafe neighbourhood.
Chinese explanation
感觉很难受、不舒服——可能因为生病、疲劳或宿醉。You look rough（你脸色真差）很直白但不太客气。rough area 则指破旧或治安差的街区。
Example conversation
A: Are you coming to the seminar?
B: I can't, I'm feeling really rough today.
A：你来上研讨课吗？
B：来不了，我今天特别难受。
All British Slang
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake