This version was called " clipped,cropped, cl***ed", right?

Can anybody say was the plane really considered a failure by the pilots or was this just a "friendly" nickname?

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Yes, the derogatory epithet was 'clipped, cropped and clapped' ( as in 'clapped out' ).

This applied to a stop-gap version of the Spitfire Mk VB introduced during 1942 in an attempt to counter the very real threat of the Fw 190.

While the 2-stage supercharged Merlin 61 - engined Spitfire Mk IX was being hastened into production, some older Mk VBs were fitted with a Merlin 50M featuring a 'cropped', smaller-diameter supercharger for greater performance at low altitudes together with 'clipped wings' for greater manoueverability at low level.

Unfortunately, it still wasn't a match for the 190 and this, together with the age of the original airframes, gave rise to the sour nickname from the pilots who really just wanted the Mk IX.....

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson

OK,

thanx Martin!!

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