Use 'hard up' to express significant financial stress, suggesting difficulty in meeting basic needs.

Financial Distress

'Hard up' often implies a temporary situation, not a permanent financial status.

Temporary State

The term 'hard up' is casual and might be inappropriate in formal financial discussions.

'Hard up for' implies an urgent or pressing need for something non-monetary.

The phrase suggests potential desperation and can evoke a sense of urgency or pity.

'Hard up' implies scarcity, often making do with limited resources.

Understand that 'hard up' when discussing arousal is slang and might be considered offensive.

Use this meaning of 'hard up' only among adults who understand and accept the slang context.

Steer clear of this expression in polite company or public settings to avoid offense.