Is the phrase "he sucks in something..." offensive in UK? And US? How this can also be expressed? [closed]

The literal translation of the slang "He sucks", in some languages, can have a very different meaning.

First: is it offensive or it's ok to say? Second: how can we say the same in UK/US but with other words and keeping the meaning? It can be a slang too.

Solution 1:

Assuming it is being used in the 'not very good at' sense, in UK usage it would be vulgar, but it's offensiveness would be contextual. 'I suck at playing Tennis' would be perfectly normal in conversation between acquaintances. 'I am lousy at playing tennis, I am useless at playing tennis, I can't play tennis' would have a similar meaning.

It's not, however, language that would be expected in a formal situation. 'You suck' shouted at a boss' would be rude and potentially career limiting!