shitstorm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediumslang, vulgar, informal
Quick answer
What does “shitstorm” mean?
An intense public outcry, controversy, or crisis, often characterized by widespread anger, criticism, or chaotic negative publicity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An intense public outcry, controversy, or crisis, often characterized by widespread anger, criticism, or chaotic negative publicity.
A situation of extreme chaos, outrage, or intense backlash, often fuelled by media coverage, social media reaction, or public scandal, leading to significant reputational or operational damage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood and used in both varieties, though slightly more likely to be censored in mainstream US media. The taboo associated with the scatological component is similar.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a vulgar, forceful, and often chaotic or uncontrolled public reaction. It may imply the situation was partly self-inflicted or poorly managed.
Frequency
Both varieties use it, but its occurrence in print or broadcast media is rarer in the US due to stricter broadcast standards. Common in online discourse and spoken language in both.
Grammar
How to Use “shitstorm” in a Sentence
The [scandal] caused a shitstorm.The company faced a shitstorm over [the comments].He found himself in the middle of a shitstorm.Her tweet ignited a shitstorm.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shitstorm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The politician was absolutely shitstormed on Twitter for his remarks.
- The decision is going to shitstorm when it goes public.
American English
- He got shitstormed in the comments section.
- The policy is sure to shitstorm once people read the fine print.
adverb
British English
- The comments came in shitstorm fast.
- It all went shitstorm quickly.
American English
- The backlash hit shitstorm hard.
- Things escalated shitstorm quickly online.
adjective
British English
- He gave a shitstorm-inducing interview.
- It was a proper shitstorm situation.
American English
- Her shitstorm tweet went viral in minutes.
- They are dealing with a shitstorm-level crisis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
A PR shitstorm hit the firm after the data leak was revealed.
Academic
The paper's controversial conclusions sparked a minor academic shitstorm.
Everyday
I posted one bad review and got caught in a shitstorm from the cafe's loyal customers.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shitstorm”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing the term for minor criticism.
- Incorrectly hyphenating (e.g., shit-storm).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and vulgar slang. It is inappropriate for formal, academic, or professional writing.
Yes, informally, especially online (e.g., 'He got shitstormed on Reddit'). This usage is highly informal and not yet standard.
A 'controversy' is a neutral term for a public disagreement. A 'shitstorm' implies a controversy that is intense, chaotic, angry, and often fuelled by vulgar or aggressive sentiment.
Yes, depending on context: 'uproar', 'outcry', 'backlash', 'furor', 'row', or 'ruckus' are all less offensive alternatives.
An intense public outcry, controversy, or crisis, often characterized by widespread anger, criticism, or chaotic negative publicity.
Shitstorm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪt.stɔːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪt.stɔːrm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to weather a shitstorm”
- “to be in the eye of the shitstorm”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a literal storm made of manure – it’s messy, offensive, and no one wants to be caught in it. That’s a shitstorm.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC CRITICISM IS A DESTRUCTIVE STORM.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'shitstorm' be LEAST appropriate?