The phrase "messed up" generally refers to a situation that is disorganized, complicated, or has gone wrong in some way. It can also describe a person's emotional or psychological state, suggesting confusion or distress. When something is "messed up," it typically implies that it is not functioning correctly or that errors have occurred.
The term "messed up" originates from the verb "mess," which has roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French word "mes," meaning "a dish or mess." The term evolved to mean creating disorder or confusion, and "up" intensifies the sense of being thoroughly disorganized or complicated.