In NZ, ‘Stuff’ can function as a verb, noun, adjective, interjection, and even a conjunction, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions and meanings.
Verb (transitive and intransitive): “John Stuffed Mary” (transitive) or “Mary was Stuffed by John” (intransitive)
Verb: “Stuff around and find out”
Noun: “Mary is a terrific Stuff”
Adjective: “That was a Stuffing amazing movie” “He knows Stuff all” “The company is Stuffed”
Interjection: “Stuff! I’m late!”
Conjunction: “Mary is smart, Stuff. she’s also stubborn”
This flexibility allows it to fit into almost any sentence structure, making it highly adaptable in conversation and writing.
Emotional and Contextual Range
“Stuff” conveys a wide spectrum of emotions and reactions, including:
Frustration or anger: “Stuff you!”, “Stuff off!”
Surprise or disbelief: “What the Stuff?”
Excitement or approval: “Stuff yeah!”
Resignation or apathy: “Oh, Stuff it!” / “Who really gives a Stuff?”
Disgust or aggression: “Stuff me” / “Up your Stuffing arse!”
Emphasis: “That Stuffing taco was delicious”
Its ability to intensify statements or express strong feelings makes it a powerful linguistic tool.
Lets get with the program and call it what it really is, we have a very useful vernacular word that we hear on TV and on the I/N every second word, starts with F and ends with K, a much more accurate and useful description of every example you outlined on your post.
For example, who shouts out “Stuff’ when they’ve missed the nail and hits their thumb”?.
You should tell Sinaed Boucher that
Sinead Boucher who? she can take her Stuff and shove it.
I won’t miss her silly LW rag. I do have some sympathy for folk like Luke Malpass and maybe Ben Thomas.
I won’t miss the dreary Sharon Murdoch and her woeful cartoons.