feels like shit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feels like shit" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and vulgar.
You can use it to express a strong negative feeling or discomfort, often in a casual or colloquial context. Example: "After staying up all night studying, I woke up this morning and felt like shit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Matarese said, "Hopefully people come away from our show seeing that — everyone feels like shit in New York.

The New Yorker

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Vice

But losing my last chance to see a woman in the White House feels like shit.

Huffington Post

The thesis is simple: everyone feels like shit when they're ill.

Vice

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Vice

Instead, he gags on the taste, has a good time and the next day feels like shit, which – with allowance for the ecstasy cases that do result in hospitalisation or death – is most people's experience on the drug.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some days you're going to feel like, "Shit!

Huffington Post

Seriously, it feels like shitting out a Sky remote.

Vice

Such freakouts might include "feeling worthless because I feel like shit, because I did these vocals wrong and this song is not good enough!

The Guardian - Music

I like feeling like shit because when you feel like shit you're able to make something with dimension".

Vice

And I felt like shit about that feeling for two years, until I came out to one of my friends.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using milder alternatives such as "feels awful" or "feels terrible" in more formal contexts to convey a similar sentiment without being offensive.

Common error

Avoid using "feels like shit" in professional or academic writing. This phrase is too informal and could undermine your credibility. Choose a more suitable phrase like "feels unpleasant" or "experiences discomfort" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels like shit" functions as a subjective expression of feeling unwell or experiencing emotional distress. It uses the verb "feel" followed by "like" to draw a comparison, and the vulgar term "shit" to intensify the negative sensation. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels like shit" is an informal and vulgar expression used to describe a strong negative physical or emotional state. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness but notes its informality and potential offensiveness. While "feels like shit" is suitable for casual conversations and personal writing, milder alternatives like "feels awful" or "feels terrible" are more appropriate for formal settings. Keep the audience in mind when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels awful

Replaces "shit" with a milder term, reducing the vulgarity while retaining the negative connotation.

feels terrible

Similar to "feels awful", this provides a less offensive way to express a strong negative feeling.

feels lousy

An informal alternative that expresses a feeling of being unwell or unhappy.

feels like garbage

Uses a different, albeit still negative, comparison to describe a bad feeling.

feels under the weather

A euphemistic way to describe feeling ill or unwell.

feels unwell

A more formal way of saying someone feels sick or unhealthy.

feels ill

A succinct term to express physical or mental discomfort.

feels out of sorts

Describes a general feeling of being not quite right, either physically or emotionally.

feels below par

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone is not feeling as well as usual.

is in poor health

Describes a state of not being healthy or well.

FAQs

What does "feels like shit" mean?

The phrase "feels like shit" is an informal and vulgar way to express that someone is feeling very unwell, unhappy, or experiencing a strong negative emotion. It indicates a state of significant discomfort or displeasure.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feels like shit"?

It is appropriate to use "feels like shit" in very informal settings, such as casual conversations with close friends or in personal writing where strong language is acceptable. Avoid using it in professional, academic, or formal contexts.

What are some less vulgar alternatives to "feels like shit"?

You can use alternatives like "feels awful", "feels terrible", "feels lousy", or "feels unwell" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "feels like shit" grammatically correct?

Yes, "feels like shit" is grammatically correct, though it is considered informal and vulgar. The structure "feels like" + [noun] is a standard way to describe a sensation or state of being. Ludwig AI confirms this as well.