plumber

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To botch or ruin.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

There is nothing to work him into a fine feeling of agony and despair like an exam scheduled for the next day, or a paper to write, or a concert in which he is to sing. Wish him the top of the morning when he is looking forward to one of these events, and then hear the woeful story of how badly he i

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To do, work, devise (something).

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “plumber” mean?

To botch or ruin.

Is “plumber” formal or informal?

plumber is generally slang.