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Definition of shitstorm

shitstorm

/ˈʃɪtˌstɔːrm/
shit · storm
Plural:shitstorms
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shitstorm Lexical Profile

shitstorm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chaotic, crisis-filled situation or a violent outburst of controversy, criticism, and upheaval (vulgar slang).

Example

"The sudden resignation of the chief executive caused a massive media shitstorm for the company."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shitstorm
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shitstorm

Word Nuance & Usage

Because "shitstorm" contains a strong profanity, it is considered vulgar slang and should be avoided in formal, academic, or professional writing, where "maelstrom," "furore," or "firestorm" are appropriate substitutes.

• Nearby Words

shitload
shitpost
shitshow
shitstorm
shitter
shittily
shittiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in mid-20th-century American military slang (notably popularized in Norman Mailer's 1948 World War II novel "The Naked and the Dead"), originally referring to intense artillery bombardment before broadening to any chaotic controversy.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shitstorm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shitstorm
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