Scheißkerl

Scheißkerl is a German vulgar insult used to describe a man who is considered mean, unreliable, or morally reprehensible. The word combines Scheiß ("shit") with Kerl ("guy" or "fellow"), producing a strong pejorative roughly equivalent to "jerk" or "bastard" in English, though it carries explicit profanity.

As a form, Scheißkerl belongs to informal and coarse language. It is predominantly heard in spoken discourse and in media that aims to portray rough or coarse characters. Its use is more common among male speakers and can range from venting anger to humorous banter, depending on tone and relationship; in formal or respectful contexts it is inappropriate.

Geographic and cultural variation: the term is widely understood across German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Speakers may choose milder alternatives such as Mistkerl or Arschkerl, but these also carry strong connotations. The precise perceived severity can vary by region and social context.

In popular culture and literature, Scheißkerl may appear in dialogue, song lyrics, or film scripts to convey a character’s roughness or antagonism. Because of its profanity, its usage is typically intentional and situational, signaling attitude as much as describing a person.