What does “Shit a Brick” mean?

"Shit a Brick" means to be extremely surprised or frightened.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

When I saw the price of the concert tickets, I nearly shit a brick.

Example

I shit a brick when I saw the size of the spider crawling on the wall.

Example

My mom is going to shit a brick when she finds out I crashed her car

Is “Shit a Brick” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Shit a Brick” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Shit a Brick” effectively in context?

You can use "Shit a Brick" to express extreme surprise or fear in a humorous or exaggerated way. It emphasizes the intensity of the reaction. For example, if someone tells you an outrageous story, you might respond with, 'Wow, I would have "shit a brick" if that happened to me!'

1Price Shock
When I saw the price of the concert tickets, I nearly shit a brick.
When I saw the price of the concert tickets, I nearly shit a brick.
2Fear of Insects
I shit a brick when I saw the size of the spider crawling on the wall.
I shit a brick when I saw the size of the spider crawling on the wall.
3Parental Disapproval
My mom is going to shit a brick when she finds out I crashed her car.
My mom is going to shit a brick when she finds out I crashed her car.

Similar phrases to “Shit a Brick”:

Freak out

To become extremely upset or frightened

Example

She freaked out when she saw the mouse in her kitchen.

Jump out of one's skin

To be extremely startled or surprised

Example

The loud noise made him jump out of his skin.

Have a heart attack

To be extremely shocked or surprised

Example

He had a heart attack when he saw the damage to his car.

Scare the living daylights out of

To frighten someone very much

Example

The horror movie scared the living daylights out of her.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Shit a Brick” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Shit a Brick" is unknown.

Is “Shit a Brick” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Shit a Brick" is considered vulgar and is not commonly used in polite or formal conversation. It is more likely to be heard in casual or informal settings among friends or in comedic contexts.

What tone does “Shit a Brick” have?

"Shit a Brick" conveys a tone of shock or fear, often with a touch of humor. It is used to exaggerate one's reaction to a surprising or frightening situation.

Can “Shit a Brick” be used in informal and formal settings?

No, "Shit a Brick" is an informal and vulgar expression that is not appropriate for formal or polite conversation. It is best to avoid using this phrase in professional or formal settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I couldn't believe it, I nearly "shit a brick" when I saw the bill.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I would "shit a brick"!' to express extreme surprise.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be shocked
be terrified
be astonished
be appalled
be astounded

Antonyms

remain calm
stay composed
be unfazed
be unimpressed