shitcan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Vulgar, Slang, Informal
Quick answer
What does “shitcan” mean?
To discard, reject, or dispose of something as worthless.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To discard, reject, or dispose of something as worthless; to fire (someone).
To forcefully eliminate, cancel, or abandon a plan, project, or person; to treat with contemptuous dismissal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is primarily an American slang term. In British English, the component parts are understood, but the compound is less common. Equivalent British slang might use 'bin' (as a verb) or 'sack' (for firing), though without the vulgar force.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries strong vulgarity. In American usage, it's associated with blunt, forceful action, often in workplace, military, or creative contexts. Its rarity in the UK gives it a more distinctly American flavour.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in American English, though still a low-frequency slang term overall. Rare to non-existent in formal UK contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shitcan” in a Sentence
Subject + shitcan + direct object (thing/person)Subject + get/shitcanned (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shitcan” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new CEO decided to shitcan the entire rebranding strategy after the first review.
- If the prototype fails, we'll just have to shitcan it and start over.
American English
- The studio shitcanned the director after the first week of shooting.
- We need to shitcan these outdated procedures immediately.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to describe canceling projects or firing employees. Highly unprofessional in formal communication.
Academic
Virtually never used due to vulgarity and informality.
Everyday
Used among friends in informal settings to talk about discarding plans or objects. Still considered crude.
Technical
Not used in technical jargon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shitcan”
- Using it as a noun (*'Put it in the shitcan.') – while understood, the primary use is verbal.
- Using it in formal writing or polite conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its primary and standard use is as a verb. While one might refer to a 'shitcan' as a vulgar term for a rubbish bin, this is less common and the verb form dominates.
It is considered vulgar due to the inclusion of 'shit'. It should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional settings where standard English is expected.
'Shitcan' implies a more forceful, contemptuous, and final dismissal, often with a sense of frustration or anger. 'Cancel' is more neutral and formal.
Yes. It can mean to discard an object or plan ('shitcan the draft') or to fire a person ('shitcan the employee').
To discard, reject, or dispose of something as worthless.
Shitcan is usually vulgar, slang, informal in register.
Shitcan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪtkæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪtkæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to get shitcanned (to be fired)”
- “to shitcan the whole thing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine angrily throwing a terrible idea into a **can** labelled '**shit**'.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS IDEAS/PEOPLE ARE EXCREMENT (to be disposed of).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'shitcan' be LEAST appropriate?