shtup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowVulgar/Offensive Slang, Informal
Quick answer
What does “shtup” mean?
(vulgar slang) To push or shove.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(vulgar slang) To push or shove; (Yiddish-derived) to have sexual intercourse.
To cram, stuff, or pack something in; to place something somewhere hastily or forcefully.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized in the UK primarily through exposure to American media (especially films by directors like Woody Allen) and literature. Its active use is far more prevalent in American English, particularly within and influenced by American Jewish communities. The UK may use it more in its literal 'push' sense, but this is still rare.
Connotations
In both varieties, the sexual connotation is dominant and considered vulgar. In the US, it can carry a specific ethnic/cultural resonance. In the UK, it is more likely to be perceived as an Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. When it appears, it is almost exclusively in informal spoken contexts, comedic writing, or literature aiming for a specific vernacular tone. Much more likely to be encountered in the US than the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “shtup” in a Sentence
Subject + shtup + Object (person)Subject + shtup + Object (thing) + Prepositional Phrase (location)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shtup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just shtupped the package into the boot and drove off.
- I'm not going to some club to get shtupped by a stranger.
American English
- In the movie, his character is always trying to shtup his neighbour's wife.
- Just shtup those files in the drawer for now.
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely, if ever, used as an adjective]
American English
- [Rarely, if ever, used as an adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Inappropriate and unprofessional. Never used.
Academic
Inappropriate, except perhaps in sociolinguistic studies of slang or diaspora languages.
Everyday
Highly restricted to very informal, often vulgar conversations among familiar people. Risk of causing offense is high.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shtup”
- Using it in formal or mixed company.
- Misspelling as 'shtupp', 'stoop', or 'schtup'.
- Overestimating its acceptability in the UK.
- Using it without understanding its strong sexual/vulgar connotation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used in its most common sexual sense, it is considered vulgar slang and offensive in polite company. Its literal 'push' sense is still very informal but less offensive.
It comes from Yiddish שטופּן (shtupn), meaning 'to push' or 'to thrust'. It was adopted into American English, primarily through Jewish communities, where its meaning broadened to the vulgar slang term.
It is understood by many, but it is perceived as an Americanism. Using it risks sounding affected or inappropriately casual. Due to its vulgarity, it carries the same high risk of causing offense as in the US.
Both are vulgar slang for sexual intercourse. 'Shag' is strongly associated with British English, while 'shtup' is strongly associated with American English (particularly with Jewish-American influence). 'Shag' can also mean 'dance' or be used in brand names (e.g., carpet) without vulgar connotations.
(vulgar slang) To push or shove.
Shtup is usually vulgar/offensive slang, informal in register.
Shtup: in British English it is pronounced /ʃtʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃtʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is often used in a slang/phrasal context]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHove' and 'sTUP'idly pushing something (or someone) – it combines the action with a hint of crude force.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEX IS A PHYSICAL ACT OF FORCE/SHOVING (based on the Yiddish root).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'shtup' be LEAST appropriate?