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#Society
How To Swear Like a Native Speaker
“Shit” expressions
Updated: 2025.04.04
5 min read · Basic
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How To Swear Like a Native Speaker

*Use of explicit language throughout the article - Reader discretion advised*


A large part of talking like a native in day to day conversations, from chatting with close friends to spilling the tea [1] in the office, is using swear words naturally. We call it “strong language” for a reason - it adds emphasis [2] where needed, whether it be for a serious reason or for comical tonality.


When it comes to “shit,” you’ve probably already heard the basics such as “Oh shit!” or “That’s bullshit,” or “This tastes like shit,” but true native speakers incorporate [3] these simple words into expressions or idioms to describe specific scenarios and feelings. It’s time to graduate from these simple expressions, and start cursing like a real English-speaker.


  • Are you shitting me?
    • Meaning: Are you kidding me? Is that a joke?
    • PG alternative: Are you for real right now?
  • I have a shit-ton of work to get done tonight, it’s not even funny.
    • Meaning: Exaggerating the sheer amount of something
    • PG alternative: I have a crap-ton of work to get done tonight. / I have an unbearable amount of work.
  • Let’s get shit done!
    • Meaning: Let’s get productive!
    • PG alternative: Let’s get a lot done today!
  • We were all calm until the client discovered the major error in the report, and then the shit hit the fan.
    • Meaning: a situation that suddenly becomes chaotic or problematic
    • PG alternative: … that’s when things got really serious.
  • That presentation was an absolute shitshow. Nobody came prepared, and the CEO got really upset.
    • Meaning: what a disaster (disorganized mess, uncomfortable situation)
    • PG alternative: That presentation was an absolute disaster.
  • I’m about to lose my shit!
    • Meaning: get very angry, have a meltdown
    • PG alternative: I’m about to lose my mind!
  • She was scared shitless during her presentation.
    • Meaning: to be extremely scared, almost shaking.
    • PG alternative: She was scared out of her mind…
  • We got absolutely shitfaced last weekend.
    • Meaning: Extremely drunk or wasted.
    • PG alternative: We got absolutely plastered last weekend.
  • Everyone thought he was batshit crazy for quitting his stable job to travel the world with no plan.
    • Meaning: Exaggerating how crazy someone/something is.
    • PG alternative: omit “batshit”
  • Don’t believe anything he says, he’s full of shit.
    • Meaning: Lying or dishonest
    • PG alternative: He’s full of it. / He’s full of nonsense.
  • My first time trying to ride a skateboard and I completely ate shit.
    • Meaning: to fall and hit the ground face-first. (Usually used in an exaggerated story-telling way, or in a way to laugh at yourself/someone).
    • PG alternative: I completely ate dirt.
  • When I missed the last train home, I realized I was shit out of luck and had to call a taxi.
    • Meaning: To be completely out of luck, no hope.
    • PG alternative: omit “shit”
  • She got fired because her manager found out she does jack shit at work.
    • Meaning: absolutely nothing (doing, receiving, giving, etc.)
    • PG alternative: She got fired because her manager caught her slacking off at work.
  • I’m just doing this for shits and giggles.
    • Meaning: To be doing something for no reason or for fun (sometimes used sarcastically).
    • PG alternative: I’m just doing this for fun/because I’m bored.
  • That movie had me shitting bricks.
    • Meaning: To be extremely scared or surprised
    • PG alternative: That movie had me scared out of my mind.

Pronunciation and Intonation when cursing:


Pronouncing every letter too correctly while swearing may backfire [4], and sound more serious than intended.

For casual or joking conversations, omit the final “-g” sound for gerunds, such as “You’re shittin’ me.”ONLY pronounce the word completely if you are seriously upset and not joking around.

원어민처럼 욕하기

*이 글은 강하고 노골적인 언어 표현을 포함하고 있습니다. 읽을 때 주의하세요.*

친구들과 편하게 수다를 떨거나 회사에서 뒷담화를 하는 것 같은 ‘일상대화’에서 원어민같이 언어를 구사하는데 중요한 요소 중 하나는 자연스럽게 욕설을 쓰는 것입니다. 이를 “강한 언어”라고 부르는 데는 이유가 있습니다. 욕설이 심각한 상황에서나 유머스러운 분위기를 만들 때 ‘강조’의 효과를 주기 때문입니다.

"Shit"이란 단어로 살펴본다면, 여러분은 이미 "Oh shit!" (망했다!), "That’s bullshit." (말도 안 되는 소리!), "This tastes like shit." (진짜 못 먹겠네.) 같은 기본 표현들을 들어보셨을 겁니다. 하지만 진짜 원어민들은 이 단순한 단어를 다양한 표현과 관용구로 활용해 보다 풍부한 의미를 전달합니다. 이제 욕설의 기본 단계를 지나, 원어민처럼 자연스럽게 "Shit"을 써 봅시다.

지금 농담하자는 거지?

  • 의미: 지금 농담하는 거야? 농담이지?
  • 순화 표현: 지금 진심으로 하는 말이야?

오늘 해야 하는 일이 겁나게 많아. 웃기지도 않을 정도야.

  • 의미: 무언가가 엄청나게 많음을 과장해 표현하는 것
  • 순화 표현: 오늘 밤까지 끝내야 할 일이 산더미야 / 감당 못할 만큼 일이 너무 많아.)

끝장나게 일해 보자!

  • 의미: 생산성을 올려볼까?!
  • 순화 표현: 오늘 진도 쭉쭉 뽑아보자!

우리는 다 괜찮았는데, 고객이 보고서에서 큰 실수를 발견하는 순간 완전 망했구나 싶었어.

  • 의미: 상황이 갑자기 혼란스러워지거나 문제가 심각해 지는 것
  • 순화 표현: … 그때부터 상황이 심각해졌어.

그 발표는 완전 난장판이었어. 아무도 준비를 안 해 와서, 사장님이 엄청 화를 냈어.

  • 의미: 완전 재난 수준 (정리되지 않은 혼란함, 불편한 상황을 가리킴)
  • 순화 표현: 그 발표는 완전 재난 수준이었어.

나 뚜껑 열리기 일보 직전이야!

  • 의미: 몹시 화가 난, 화가 나서 무너진
  • 순화 표현: 나 폭발하기 일보 직전이야!

그녀는 발표하는 동안 완전 쫄아 있었어.

  • 의미: 극도로 겁을 먹은, 거의 벌벌 떠는 수준의
  • 순화 표현: 그녀는 정신을 잃을 정도로 겁먹었어.

우리 지난주에 완전 꽐라 됐었어.

  • 의미: 극도로 술에 취하거나 정신을 못 차리는
  • 순화 표현: 우리 완전 취했었어.

아무 계획 없이 안정적인 직장을 때려치우고 세계여행을 간다고 하니, 다들 쟤 정신줄 놨다고들 했어.

  • 의미: 누군가/무엇인가가 말도 안 되는 것임을 과장해서 표현하는 것
  • 순화 표현: 다들 쟤 미쳤다고 했어.

쟤 말 다 뻥이야. 하나도 믿지 마.

  • 의미: 거짓말을 하는, 정직하지 못한
  • 순화 표현: 쟤 말은 다 허풍이야.

스케이트보드 처음 타 봤는데, 온몸이 박살났어.

  • 의미: 넘어지거나 얼굴부터 먼저 땅에 부딪히거나 (주로 이야기를 하는 세팅에서, 본인 또는 다른 사람을 비웃는 방식으로 과장해서 표현하는 것)
  • 순화 표현: 나 엄청 크게 넘어졌어.

막차 놓친 순간, 폭망했다 싶어서 택시 불렀어.

  • 의미: 완전히 운이 다한, 희망이 없는
  • 순화 표현: shit을 빼고 운이 없었다고 표현하면 됩니다.

그녀는 일 진짜 하나!도 안 하다가 매니저한테 걸려서 잘렸어.

  • 의미: 절대 아무것도 아닌 (뭘 하지도, 받지도, 주지도 않는 등)
  • 순화 표현: 일 대충 하다가 걸려서 잘렸어.

나 이거 그냥 웃자고 하는 거야.

  • 의미: 무언가를 아무 의미 없이 또는 그냥 재밌자고 하는 것 (때때로 냉소적인 의미로 쓰임)
  • 순화 표현: 그냥 심심해서 하는 거야.

그 영화 보면서 식겁했어.

  • 의미: 극도로 무섭거나 놀란
  • 순화 표현: 영화 보다가 엄청 놀랐어.

욕할 때의 발음과 억양

영어로 욕할 때, 모든 발음을 너무 또박또박 하면 오히려 심각하게 들려 역효과가 날 수 있습니다.일상 대화를 하거나 장난을 칠 때는, You’re shitting me → You’re shittin’ me처럼 끝의 “-g”를 생략하세요.정말로 화가 나고 농담하는 상황이 아닐 때만 발음을 완전하게 합니다.

Articles
Not only does swearing feel good — it's also good for you: study
Videos
What Cursing Does To Your Body And Brain10 Surprising Reasons Why Swearing is Actually Good for Your Health
Discussion Questions
Q1
In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.
여러분의 언어로 교재를 간단히 요약해 주세요.
Q2
What part of the reading resonated with you most?
이번 교재에서 가장 공감하는 내용은 무엇인가요?
Q3
Do you swear/curse in your native language? In what scenarios do you find yourself using swear words or expressions in your day-to-day life?
모국어로 욕설을 하시나요? 일상 생활에서 어떤 상황에서 욕설이나 표현을 사용하나요?
Q4
Are there any swear expressions you would use in your own language that sound similar to some of the ones you read in this article? What does it mean, and when would you use it?
이 글에서 읽은 욕설과 비슷하게 들리는 욕설 표현을 모국어로 사용하는 경우가 있나요? 어떤 의미이며 언제 사용하나요?
Q5
Choose 3 expressions that sound new and interesting to you. Why did you pick these expressions?
새롭고 흥미롭게 들리는 표현 3개를 골라보세요. 왜 이런 표현을 고르셨나요?
Q6
Think about a time when “shit hit the fan.” What happened? How did you feel, and how did you react or deal with the situation?
“완전 망했던” 때를 생각해 보세요. 무슨 일이 일어났나요? 기분이 어땠고, 그 상황에 어떻게 반응하거나 대처했나요?
Q7
Imagine that your boss promised you a big raise after 10 years of being a loyal employee, only to find out that the raise he gave you is only $50 more per year. You feel angry and betrayed. Vent to your tutor using these new expressions about what happened, how you feel, and what you think of your boss.
10년 동안 충성스러운 직원으로 일한 상사가 큰 폭의 연봉 인상을 약속했는데, 막상 인상된 금액이 연간 50달러에 불과하다는 사실을 알게 되었다고 상상해 보세요. 화가 나고 배신감을 느낍니다. 오늘 배운 새로운 표현을 사용하여 튜터에게 무슨 일이 있었고, 어떤 생각이 들고, 상사에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 이야기해 보세요.
Q8
Do you like drinking alcohol? If so, tell us a legendary story about a time you got shitfaced. (If you don’t drink, have you seen someone get shitfaced before? Where were you, and what happened?)
술을 좋아하시나요? 그렇다면 술에 취했을 때의 전설적인 이야기를 들려주세요. (술을 마시지 않는다면 누군가 “꽐라”가 된 것을 본 적이 있나요? 당신은 어디에 있었고, 무슨 일이 일어났나요?)
Q9
Imagine that your best friend just found out that their partner cheated on them, and is angry/upset about the situation. What words do you think your friend would use to describe the cheating partner while venting to you?
가장 친한 친구가 방금 파트너가 바람을 피웠다는 사실을 알게 되었고, 그 상황에 대해 화가 나거나 속상해하고 있다고 상상해 보세요. 친구가 바람을 피운 파트너를 묘사할 때 어떤 단어를 사용했을 것 같나요?
Q10
Imagine that you went on a rollercoaster, and midway through, your seatbelt came undone. You survived to tell the tale. Use 2-3 expressions to describe what happened or how you felt.
롤러코스터를 탔는데 도중에 안전벨트가 풀렸다고 상상해 보세요. 당신은 살아남아 이야기를 전할 수 있게 되었습니다. 오늘 배운 표현 중 2~3개를 사용해 무슨 일이 일어났는지 또는 어떤 기분이었는지 설명하세요.
Q11
Choose an expression from this article that you’re still not sure about. Ask your tutor how or when they would use it in their own lives.
이 글에서 아직 잘 모르는 표현을 하나 골라보세요. 튜터에게 자신의 삶에서 언제 어떻게 사용할지 물어보세요.
Q12
Just for shits and giggles, let’s pick a random expression from the article and create 3 original sentences with it.
“그냥 재미로”, 글에서 임의대로 표현을 골라 그 표현으로 3개의 독창적인 문장을 만들어 보세요.
Q13
If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.
궁금한 점이 있거나 수업 중에 얘기해 보고 싶은 질문이 있으면 적어주세요.
Expressions
spilling the tea
to share gossip or secret information
例句
1

Lisa couldn't wait to meet her friends and start spilling the tea about what happened at the party.

例句
2

During lunch, Jake spilled the tea about the teacher’s surprise quiz next week.

emphasis
special importance or attention given to something
例句
1

The teacher put great emphasis on the importance of reading every day.

例句
2

When giving a speech, you should place emphasis on your main points.

incorporate
to include or combine something as part of a whole
例句
1

The school decided to incorporate more technology into the classroom.

例句
2

She tried to incorporate healthy habits into her daily routine.

backfire
to have the opposite effect of what was intended
例句
1

His plan to impress his boss backfired when he made a big mistake in the presentation.

例句
2

If you lie to your friends, it may backfire and make them lose trust in you.

본 교재는 당사 편집진이 제작하는 링글의 자산으로 저작권법에 의해 보호됩니다. 링글 플랫폼 외에서 자료를 활용하시는 경우 당사와 사전 협의가 필요합니다.

*Use of explicit language throughout the article - Reader discretion advised*


A large part of talking like a native in day to day conversations, from chatting with close friends to spilling the tea [1] in the office, is using swear words naturally. We call it “strong language” for a reason - it adds emphasis [2] where needed, whether it be for a serious reason or for comical tonality.


When it comes to “shit,” you’ve probably already heard the basics such as “Oh shit!” or “That’s bullshit,” or “This tastes like shit,” but true native speakers incorporate [3] these simple words into expressions or idioms to describe specific scenarios and feelings. It’s time to graduate from these simple expressions, and start cursing like a real English-speaker.


  • Are you shitting me?
    • Meaning: Are you kidding me? Is that a joke?
    • PG alternative: Are you for real right now?
  • I have a shit-ton of work to get done tonight, it’s not even funny.
    • Meaning: Exaggerating the sheer amount of something
    • PG alternative: I have a crap-ton of work to get done tonight. / I have an unbearable amount of work.
  • Let’s get shit done!
    • Meaning: Let’s get productive!
    • PG alternative: Let’s get a lot done today!
  • We were all calm until the client discovered the major error in the report, and then the shit hit the fan.
    • Meaning: a situation that suddenly becomes chaotic or problematic
    • PG alternative: … that’s when things got really serious.
  • That presentation was an absolute shitshow. Nobody came prepared, and the CEO got really upset.
    • Meaning: what a disaster (disorganized mess, uncomfortable situation)
    • PG alternative: That presentation was an absolute disaster.
  • I’m about to lose my shit!
    • Meaning: get very angry, have a meltdown
    • PG alternative: I’m about to lose my mind!
  • She was scared shitless during her presentation.
    • Meaning: to be extremely scared, almost shaking.
    • PG alternative: She was scared out of her mind…
  • We got absolutely shitfaced last weekend.
    • Meaning: Extremely drunk or wasted.
    • PG alternative: We got absolutely plastered last weekend.
  • Everyone thought he was batshit crazy for quitting his stable job to travel the world with no plan.
    • Meaning: Exaggerating how crazy someone/something is.
    • PG alternative: omit “batshit”
  • Don’t believe anything he says, he’s full of shit.
    • Meaning: Lying or dishonest
    • PG alternative: He’s full of it. / He’s full of nonsense.
  • My first time trying to ride a skateboard and I completely ate shit.
    • Meaning: to fall and hit the ground face-first. (Usually used in an exaggerated story-telling way, or in a way to laugh at yourself/someone).
    • PG alternative: I completely ate dirt.
  • When I missed the last train home, I realized I was shit out of luck and had to call a taxi.
    • Meaning: To be completely out of luck, no hope.
    • PG alternative: omit “shit”
  • She got fired because her manager found out she does jack shit at work.
    • Meaning: absolutely nothing (doing, receiving, giving, etc.)
    • PG alternative: She got fired because her manager caught her slacking off at work.
  • I’m just doing this for shits and giggles.
    • Meaning: To be doing something for no reason or for fun (sometimes used sarcastically).
    • PG alternative: I’m just doing this for fun/because I’m bored.
  • That movie had me shitting bricks.
    • Meaning: To be extremely scared or surprised
    • PG alternative: That movie had me scared out of my mind.

Pronunciation and Intonation when cursing:


Pronouncing every letter too correctly while swearing may backfire [4], and sound more serious than intended.

For casual or joking conversations, omit the final “-g” sound for gerunds, such as “You’re shittin’ me.”ONLY pronounce the word completely if you are seriously upset and not joking around.

*本教材是专爲使用Ringle学习英文的学员设计。