shove it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shove it up" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and can be considered vulgar.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing frustration or anger, often implying that they want someone to go away or dismiss their opinion. Example: "After hearing his ridiculous suggestion, I just wanted to tell him to shove it up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And I'm going to shove it up their ass".

The New Yorker

Ergo, shove it up your preconceptions, Hollywood Me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Take that beat and shove it up Timbaland's ass".

The New Yorker

So, Steve Jobs, you can take your iPod, and shove it up your.

Independent

He once told Muslims to "take your religion and shove it up your behind".

The Guardian

Turn every question upside down and shove it up the asker's ass.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"When all the people in Melfort said that I wasn't any good," Derek Boogaard later wrote, "he said I shoved it up their [expletive] already".

The New York Times - Sports

Well, you might have thought about it, but I'm willing to bet "thinking about it" didn't result in you shoving it up your vagina.

Vice

It seems like common sense -- like, why wouldn't you hold a tampon on the way to the bathroom instead of shoving it up your sleeve, sliding it in your back pocket, or bringing your whole purse with you, wallet, cell phone, keys and all?

Huffington Post

The father came with a camera and shoved it up everybody's nose and took photos of everybody.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

A technicality declares a player is responsible for his caddie's actions but Adam Scott was not fined when his man Steve Williams – former bag carrier for Woods – announced to an awards ceremony audience that he was glad Scott had won an event because he wanted "to shove it right up that black asshole".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shove it up" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be perceived as offensive. Consider the context and whether a less abrasive phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "shove it up" in formal or professional settings. Its vulgarity can damage your credibility and create a negative impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shove it up" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey strong disagreement, rejection, or contempt. It is often used as an imperative, telling someone to disregard something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct, but informal and potentially vulgar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shove it up" is a vulgar idiom used to express strong contempt or dismissal. While grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, it is highly informal and should be used with caution, particularly in professional or formal settings. More appropriate alternatives, such as "stick it" or "stuff it", may be suitable depending on the context. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, reflecting its use in expressing strong opinions or reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick it

A more concise and slightly less vulgar alternative.

stuff it

Similar in tone and usage, suggesting rejection or dismissal.

get stuffed

British slang with a similar meaning of dismissal.

take a hike

A milder way of telling someone to go away.

buzz off

Informal way to tell someone to leave.

go away

A direct and simple way to ask someone to leave.

leave me alone

Expresses a desire for solitude and to be undisturbed.

drop it

Suggests ceasing a topic or action.

forget about it

Indicates a desire to disregard something.

never mind

Signals that something is not worth pursuing or discussing.

FAQs

What does "shove it up" mean?

The phrase "shove it up" is a vulgar idiom expressing contempt, dismissal, or defiance. It suggests that someone should reject or disregard something completely.

When is it appropriate to use "shove it up"?

The phrase "shove it up" is generally appropriate only in informal settings, such as casual conversations with close friends. Avoid using it in professional, academic, or formal contexts due to its vulgar nature.

What can I say instead of "shove it up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stick it", "stuff it", "get stuffed", or "take a hike". These options vary in intensity and level of formality.

Is "shove it up" considered offensive?

Yes, "shove it up" is generally considered offensive due to its vulgarity and aggressive tone. It's best to use it cautiously and be mindful of your audience to avoid causing offense.