What does gutted mean in British slang?
In British slang, gutted means extremely disappointed or upset. For example, a football fan might say I'm gutted we lost the match, meaning they feel very let down.
The word comes from the literal meaning of gutting a fish or animal, removing its insides. Feeling gutted suggests feeling empty inside, as if something has been taken away.
Gutted became widely used in British English from the late 1900s, especially in sport and everyday conversation.
Common uses
People often say gutted after missing an opportunity, losing a game, failing an exam or hearing bad news. Footballers and managers often use it in post-match interviews.
The phrase absolutely gutted is a stronger version.
Gutted is informal but widely understood across the UK. It can also be used sympathetically, as in I'm gutted for you, meaning I'm sorry this happened to you.
The opposite feeling might be described as chuffed or over the moon. Gutted is also heard in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. In other contexts, gutted can still mean that a building has been badly damaged inside, for example by fire.