I was shitting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was shitting" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar.
You can use it in casual conversations or informal writing to describe the act of defecating, often used humorously or to express discomfort. Example: "I couldn't concentrate during the meeting because I was shitting the whole time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I was shitting myself.

The Guardian - Film

To be honest, I was shitting myself.

Independent

By this point I was shitting myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I was shitting myself!' But she kept moving.

The Guardian - Film

"I was shitting myself that I'd be sent home".

The Guardian - Sport

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT IT? NEIL It was Saturday night, and I was shitting myself.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I was shit scared of them".

The Guardian - Music

"I was last on the bill, so if I was shit it didn't matter".

The Guardian

I hated chemistry and I was shit at it, and there were all these Bunsen burners.

The Guardian - Music

Is Cancer 'Random'?

Vice

Obviously I was shit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was shitting" to express extreme nervousness or fear in informal contexts, but be mindful of your audience due to its vulgarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was shitting" in formal writing or professional settings where a more polite and less graphic expression of anxiety or fear is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was shitting" functions as a colloquial expression indicating a state of extreme fear or nervousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct but carries a strong informal connotation. The examples show it replacing words like 'petrified', 'scared stiff' etc.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was shitting" is a grammatically correct, though vulgar, expression used to convey extreme fear or nervousness in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While it effectively communicates strong emotion, it's crucial to consider the audience and setting due to its informality. Alternatives like "I was petrified" or "I was very nervous" are more suitable for professional or formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was crapping my pants

Similar in meaning and vulgarity, using a different idiom.

I was scared shitless

Emphasizes a higher degree of fear using more vulgar language.

I was petrified

Indicates intense fear, but in a more formal tone.

I was really afraid

A more straightforward and less intense expression of fear.

I was in a state of panic

Expresses a high level of anxiety and loss of control.

I was anxious

Focuses on a state of unease and worry rather than outright fear.

I was nervous

Suggests mild apprehension or unease.

I was having a panic attack

Describes a more severe and clinical experience of anxiety.

I was dreading it

Indicates anticipation of something unpleasant, with associated fear.

I was uneasy

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or lack of security.

FAQs

What does "I was shitting" mean?

The phrase "I was shitting" is a vulgar idiom that means someone was extremely scared or nervous.

When is it appropriate to use "I was shitting"?

It is appropriate in very informal settings among close friends, but should be avoided in professional or formal contexts.

What are some less vulgar alternatives to "I was shitting"?

Consider using phrases like "I was petrified", "I was scared stiff", or "I was extremely nervous" depending on the context.

Is "I was shitting myself" different from "I was shitting"?

The phrase "I was shitting myself" is a more common and emphatic way of saying "I was shitting", both expressing extreme fear or anxiety.