WordGarden.ioshitty
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈɪti/
US
- /ˈʃɪˌti/
Meanings
Adjective
very poor in quality or unpleasantly bad
covered in feces or extremely dirty
used profanely to mean feeling physically or emotionally bad
More meaningsFewer meanings
used as a profane insult or judgment meaning mean, unfair, or contemptible in behavior or character
Beyond the definition
"Shitty" is a very strong, informal, and often offensive word used to describe something as very poor in quality, unpleasant, or generally terrible. It's not a word you'd use with your boss or your grandma. Think of it as a way to say something is really, really bad, with extra force and a vulgar tone.
It can describe things ("This coffee tastes absolutely shitty"), situations ("My day has been totally shitty"), or feelings ("I feel so shitty today"). It's often used to show frustration, anger, or annoyance. Be warned: it's rude and can easily offend people. While it is common in casual speech among close friends, it's a risky choice in most other settings. Think twice before using it.
The word "shitty" is a highly informal and often vulgar adjective meaning extremely bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality. It's derived from the word "shit," which has long been used as an expletive related to bodily waste. Because of its origin, "shitty" carries a strong emotional charge and should be used with extreme caution.
It's important to understand that while it can simply mean "bad," it often suggests more disgust, irritation, or frustration than words like "poor" or "terrible." For example, saying "This movie was shitty" doesn't just mean the film wasn't good; it suggests you found it very disappointing, irritating, or unpleasant.
Context is crucial. Among close friends, "shitty" might be used to vent about a minor inconvenience ("Had a shitty commute this morning"). However, using it in professional settings, with strangers, or when discussing sensitive topics is almost always inappropriate and can cause significant offense.
It is also frequently used before a noun to stress how bad something is, as in the phrases "a shitty situation" or "shitty weather." While common in informal speech and some forms of media, it's rarely found in formal writing or polite conversation. It is a word that carries significant social weight and should be approached with awareness and sensitivity.
Important Note: This card acknowledges the vulgarity of the word and emphasizes its potential to offend. The intention isn't to promote its use, but rather to provide an understanding of its meaning and context for those who may encounter it.
Examples
- 1
Broken product
This is a shitty phone charger; it stopped working after a week.
- 2
Bad hotel
We stayed in a shitty hotel near the bus station.
- 3
Bad day
Sorry I'm late, but I’ve had a really shitty morning.
- 4
Weak excuse
They gave us a shitty excuse for canceling the event.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Unkind treatment
He was pretty shitty to me after I made one small mistake.
- Patternbe shitty to + person
treat someone badly
- 6
Guilt
I felt shitty for not calling her back.
- Patternfeel shitty for + action
feel bad or guilty about it
- 7
Physical illness
I’ve felt shitty all day, so I’m going home early.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- shittyadjective