foul-up

[foul-uhp] /ˈfaʊlˌʌp/
noun, Informal.
1.
a condition of difficulty or disorder brought on by inefficiency, stupidity, etc.
2.
failure of a mechanical part to operate correctly.
3.
a person who habitually makes mistakes; bungler.
Origin
1950-55, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase foul up
British Dictionary definitions for foul-up

foul up

verb (adverb)
1.
(transitive) to bungle; mismanage
2.
(transitive) to make dirty; contaminate
3.
to be or cause to be blocked, choked, or entangled
noun
4.
a state of confusion or muddle caused by bungling
Slang definitions & phrases for foul-up

foul-up

noun
  1. A confused, tangled, hopeless situation; botch: It's supposed to be a concert series, but it's a total foul-up
  2. person who consistently blunders; bungler; fuck-up: Why put that notorious foul-up in charge?

[1940s+; a euphemism for fuck-up]