What does turfed mean?
“Turfed” is a past-tense and past-participle form of “turf,” and its meaning depends on whether it describes ground or a person. The literal sense means covered or laid with turf, as in “the newly turfed garden.” The informal sense, usually seen in the phrase “turfed out,” means expelled, dismissed, or forced to leave a place or group. This usage is especially associated with workplace, institutional, and social settings, where it can sound blunt or dismissive but is often more conversational than formal. The word also appears as a descriptive adjective, particularly in combinations such as “turfed area” or “turfed pitch.” Although “turfed” is an inflected form rather than a standalone dictionary headword, it is useful for describing both a landscaped surface and the act of removing someone. Its range—from careful groundskeeping to workplace banter—makes it a compact example of how English verbs develop idiomatic extensions beyond their original literal meanings.
To expel or force someone to leave a place or group, especially informally.
"The organization turfed him out after repeated complaints."
This use is informal and commonly appears in the expression “turfed out.”
To cover an area of ground with turf or lay turf over it.
"Workers turfed the damaged section of the garden."
This is the literal, largely neutral sense.
Covered or laid with turf.
"The new turfed pitch is ready for the match."
Commonly used in compound nouns such as “turfed area” and “turfed pitch.”
One word can describe both a lawn being covered in grass and a troublesome colleague being shown the door.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of turfed
The base noun “turf” comes from Old Norse torf, meaning earth or sod, through Middle English. “Turfed” was formed by adding the English past-tense and participial ending -ed to that inherited noun and verb. The idiomatic sense of “turf” meaning to expel or force out is associated with turf as a place or territory.
How turfed is actually used
The literal sense is neutral and can be formal or descriptive. The figurative sense is informal and may sound blunt, forceful, or dismissive.