Shat

Shat is the past tense of the verb "to shit," meaning to defecate. In modern English, it is an irregular verb whose simple past and past participle forms are both shat. The form is widely regarded as vulgar and informal, and it is typically avoided in formal writing and polite conversation. Many writers substitute terms like defecated or relieved themselves.

Etymology and cognates: The verb is of Germanic origin. It has cognates in several other Germanic languages, including Dutch schijten and German scheißen, illustrating its long history in the family of languages that share a common root for defecation. The exact lineage traces back to Old English and earlier forms.

Usage notes: The word appears in colloquial or emphatic storytelling, humor, or taboo contexts. Its tone can be strong, offensive, or humorous depending on context and audience. In medical, veterinary, or clinical writing, more neutral terms are preferred.

Other uses: Shat may appear as a surname or as part of place names in some languages, but it is otherwise uncommon as a standalone term and does not denote a widely recognized concept beyond the vulgar verb in English.

See also: Shit; Shite.