Skip to main content
Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.
How the uneducated say 'could have'
chav: I could of got a E in school fo da english literachar, but i got a ungraded instead.
could of by kung-fu jesus September 24, 2004
A common misconception among idiots who go by their ears rather than their brain. The real way to say it is "Could HAVE", i.e. "I could HAVE gone to the party", rather than "I could OF gone to the party".

It's a common mistake, generally caused because the phrase "Could have" is said so quickly that it is conceived as "Could of", but that's wrong.

"Should of" is the exact same but slightly less common mistake.
Idiot(Through text message): "Man, I could of gone to that party, but instead I stayed home."

Smart person, not an idiot(Through text message): "Are you serious? It's 'Could HAVE', not 'Could of'. Are you stupid?"

Idiot(Through text message): "Well, my name IS idiot for a reason..."
Could Of by PetPeevePerson May 15, 2011
The most common spelling of "could've" in United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland, United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. It really doesn't mean anything, but it's a bit like myths and urban legends: people are just too lazy to think whether it's true or even plausible.
Joe: "I could of get that shot done though"
Barry: "Facts boi GG though you were totally robbed of that shot by the ref"
mispellation of "Could Have"
*insert chatting here*
*someone says could of*
could of by banflimflam January 20, 2023

I could of had nine babies 

A term used when a woman comments on how long since she has menstruated.
Yo I could of had nine babies since then!!!!

i could eat the north end of a skunk moving south 

An expression of extreme hunger. Common in rural Wyoming and Colorado, USA
"Man, I'm so hungry I could eat the north end of a skunk moving south."
More from Urban Dictionary
NYC people who migrate north to Quahog, RI to see the leaves in the fall.
New York and everyone from there can fornicate themselves with an iron stick.
leafers by ss++ February 8, 2005
Word of the Day on September 27, 2026

Respectfully 

Precedes or follows either a gratuitously disrespectful or honest remark, originated in New York City. Used in similar fashion to "no offense" or "to be honest," interchangeably.
Ya mans is wild buns, respectfully. Respectfully he's washed.

After school, The Modells on Jamaica Ave was active. Respectfully.
Respectfully by john quan the first December 20, 2020
Word of the Day on September 26, 2026
Next