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shitstorm

shitstorm

20 9.9
A strong public reaction of anger and criticism that causes chaos
  • noun
  • /ˈʃɪtˌstɔrm/
  • NSFW
translation icon : tormenta de mierda
  • When the company's policies were revealed, it sparked a shitstorm of criticism from customers and employees alike.
  • walked into a shitstorm
  • got a shitstorm
  • political shitstorm

Because I've never been on the end of a Twitter shitstorm to that extent.

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Examples

  • We all say and do things we regret, however innocently, and the shitstorm builds into some huge monster beyond one's control.

    Blog text (6)
  • The problem is, the media shitstorm is the biggest problem.

    Blog text (17)
  • Just imagine the shitstorm that would happen.

  • Do you realize what a shitstorm we're in?

  • It's just a terrible shitstorm that I hate to be caught in the middle of.

    Blog text (12)
  • And when it hits, it's gonna be the shitstorm of all time.

  • Which should give you an idea about the shitstorm I was dealing with.

    Blog text (31)
  • I'm sure it's gonna be a shitstorm out there.

  • Let's talk about the shitstorm of trouble you're in, Mr. Stone.

  • And in the middle of this shitstorm, my mother-in-law arrives.

    Fiction book (1999)

Synonyms

storm
vsshitstorm
180 3.7

A strong public reaction of anger or protest

is focused on public anger and criticism rather than general disturbance
uproar
vsshitstorm
47 3.9

A loud, confused noise and activity by a group of people

is centered on angry controversy and harsh public criticism rather than noise
firestorm
vsshitstorm
  • Literature
36 6.5

A sudden, strong public reaction of anger or criticism

is an intense controversy often involving chaotic or harsh criticism over time
superstorm
vsshitstorm
29 5.5

A very large, powerful storm that causes widespread damage or a very serious situation with many problems

is about strong public anger and controversy rather than large destructive problems
brouhaha
vsshitstorm
  • Informal
14 8.8

A noisy fuss about something not very important

is a serious intense backlash rather than a trivial public fuss
shower of shit
vsshitstorm
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A sudden strong burst of harsh criticism from many people

is broader, covering heated controversy and not only sudden outpourings
shitting match
vsshitstorm
  • Offensive
9.9

A very angry, petty argument with personal insults

is broader public controversy and backlash beyond personal petty fights
total shitfuck
vsshitstorm
  • Offensive
9.9

A situation that is very messy and badly managed

is about angry public backlash and harsh criticism rather than mere chaos

Antonyms

146 2.5

Agreement and peaceful working together between people or ideas

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

How Controversial

shitstorm
  • NSFW
20 9.9
backlash
  • Literature
106 4.8
uproar
47 3.9
controversy
465 4.9
disagreement
268 1.6

Surface Forms

shitstorm singular
shitstorms plural

Morphology

shitstorm = shit + storm (semi-transparent) = shit + storm

The sense is a vivid metaphor 'a storm of shit' combining 'storm' (used figuratively) and the vulgar intensifier 'shit'; understandable from parts but idiomatic and slangy.

Etymology

Shitstorm joins shit ('a very bad, messy thing') and storm ('a violent, sudden event') to give the clear picture of a storm made of mess and anger. That's why a shitstorm means an intense, chaotic public reaction of angry criticism.