shithouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (due to extreme vulgarity).Very informal, taboo, vulgar slang.
Quick answer
What does “shithouse” mean?
A highly vulgar term for a toilet or outhouse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly vulgar term for a toilet or outhouse.
Can also function as an adjective meaning 'very bad' or 'of poor quality' and, in some contexts, a verb meaning 'to predict poorly' (e.g., in gambling). As an adverb, it intensifies an adjective (e.g., 'shithouse crazy').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is common in vulgar slang for a toilet. In the US, it is also understood but might be more strongly associated with an outdoor pit toilet or outhouse. The adjectival and verbal uses are more common in Australian and UK slang than in US usage.
Connotations
Universally vulgar and offensive. Can express disgust, contempt, or rough humour. In the UK/Australia, adjectival use can be less intensely offensive among certain in-groups.
Frequency
More frequent in UK, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand slang than in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “shithouse” in a Sentence
[Subject] be shithouse (adj.)[Subject] shithouse [prediction] (v.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shithouse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I shithoused that bet and lost twenty quid.
- He always shithouses the football scores.
American English
- He completely shithoused his prediction for the game.
adverb
British English
- He's gone shithouse crazy after losing his job.
- It's shithouse cold outside.
American English
- The team played shithouse poorly in the second half.
adjective
British English
- This weather is absolutely shithouse.
- The service in that pub was shithouse.
American English
- Man, that call by the referee was shithouse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Completely unacceptable.
Academic
Completely unacceptable.
Everyday
Only in very informal, non-polite contexts among close friends who use vulgar language.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shithouse”
- Using it in any formal or mixed company. Using the adjective form attributively (e.g., 'a shithouse film' is less common than 'the film was shithouse').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a strong vulgarism and is considered highly offensive in polite or formal contexts.
'Outhouse' is a standard, neutral term for a small outdoor toilet. 'Shithouse' is a vulgar slang term that can refer to any toilet but strongly connotes something crude, unpleasant, or basic.
Yes, primarily in UK and Australian slang, meaning 'very bad' or 'of poor quality'. It is typically used predicatively (e.g., 'This is shithouse').
It describes a person (traditionally a man) who is very solidly built, strong, and sturdy. Despite the vulgarity, it is often used as a rough compliment.
A highly vulgar term for a toilet or outhouse.
Shithouse is usually very informal, taboo, vulgar slang. in register.
Shithouse: in British English it is pronounced ˈʃɪt̬haʊs, and in American English it is pronounced ˈʃɪt̬haʊs. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “built like a brick shithouse (very strong and solid)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Shit' + 'house' = a house for shit. Think of a very basic, unpleasant outdoor toilet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR WASTE IS A HOUSE FOR SHIT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'shithouse' be MOST likely acceptable?