Duff up Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Violence implied The phrase suggests physical harm, used in serious or threatening situations. If you cheat again, they might duff you up after the game. Pro Tip 2/3Intensity varies Can mean minor to severe beating, depending on context. He got duffed up a bit during the scuffle, nothing too bad. Pro Tip 3/3Informal slang It's slang, so it's not appropriate for formal contexts. I wouldn't use 'duff up' in our report to the board.