Scheiss

Scheiss is a nonstandard spelling of the German vulgar noun Scheiße, meaning feces or excrement, and is used as an interjection or insult. It is highly informal and considered vulgar in German; in English-language discussions it is usually equated with “shit.” The form Scheiss omits the final “e” and the eszett (ß) and is common in casual writing, signage, branding, or to evoke German speech. It appears in compounds such as Scheisskerl (a contemptible man), Scheissdreck (worthless junk), and Scheiss drauf (to hell with it).

The standard spelling in formal contexts is Scheiße, with the ß, and variants without the final e exist, such as Scheisse. The use of Scheiss in everyday language is primarily as a strong expletive or emphatic element, whereas Scheiße is the canonical form found in dictionaries and careful writing. In Swiss and some other contexts, orthography may shift to Scheisse or Scheiss depending on local rules and stylistic choices.

In usage, Scheiße and its variants convey anger, frustration, or contempt, and can function as a noun, adjective, or interjection. Because of its vulgar nature, it is typically avoided in formal discourse or media targeting broad audiences, though it may appear in literature, music, film, or comedy for effect or realism. When translating, translators often render it as “shit,” with censorship or adaptation to the target audience’s norms.

See also: profanity in German, Scheiße, scatology.