shit happens

idiomatic phrase

vulgar
used to say that bad things happen as part of life and cannot be prevented
I have always understood that bad things can happen to all people in this chaotic universe, regardless of individual beliefs or accomplishments. In other words, shit happens.Margarita Korol
"If your heel breaks, there's nothing you can do, just smile. Shit happens!" said the supermodel [Cindy Crawford], who attended the Tom Ford show Wednesday evening …Stephanie Chan

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shit happens was circa 1978

Dictionary Entries Near shit happens

Cite this Entry

“Shit happens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shit%20happens. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!