shitlist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, Slang, Potentially Vulgar/Offensive
Quick answer
What does “shitlist” mean?
A list of people who are disliked, disapproved of, or considered untrustworthy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A list of people who are disliked, disapproved of, or considered untrustworthy.
A figurative list used to track individuals or entities viewed negatively, often suggesting they will be denied favors, trust, or opportunities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning and usage are identical. The word's components are considered vulgar in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong negative/vulgar connotation in both. Possibly perceived as slightly more 'American' due to cultural exports, but fully understood and used in the UK.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, confined to very informal contexts. Slightly higher frequency in American media (films, TV).
Grammar
How to Use “shitlist” in a Sentence
[Subject] put [Object] on [Possessive] shitlist.[Subject] is on [Possessive] shitlist.[Subject] has [Object] on a shitlist.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shitlist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After he snitched, the lads promptly shitlisted him.
American English
- The boss shitlisted anyone who questioned the new policy.
adjective
British English
- He's a shitlisted contractor, so we don't use him anymore.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly informal; might be used jokingly or bitterly among colleagues about a disliked manager or client. Never in formal communication.
Academic
Extremely rare and inappropriate, except perhaps in sociological studies of informal language.
Everyday
Used in personal conflicts, friend groups, or workplace gossip to denote people one is angry with.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shitlist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shitlist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shitlist”
- Using it in formal writing. Confusing it with 'shitlist' as a verb (less common). Misspelling as 'shit list' (though sometimes written as two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word (shitlist), though the two-word form (shit list) is also seen. Dictionaries vary.
It is considered vulgar and moderately offensive due to the word 'shit'. It should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional settings.
A 'blacklist' is more formal and systemic (e.g., industry blacklist). A 'shitlist' is more personal, emotional, and informal, stemming from personal dislike or anger.
Yes, but it's less common than the noun form (e.g., 'He got shitlisted after the argument'). This usage is very informal.
A list of people who are disliked, disapproved of, or considered untrustworthy.
Shitlist is usually informal, slang, potentially vulgar/offensive in register.
Shitlist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪt.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪt.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be on someone's shitlist”
- “To land/put someone on the shitlist”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a literal list titled 'SHIT' with names on it. If someone does something you think is 'shitty', you add them to your 'shit-list'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISAPPROVAL IS EXCREMENT / SOCIAL EXCLUSION IS LIST-MAKING
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would 'shitlist' be LEAST appropriate?