for shits and giggles: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘for shits and giggles’ mean?

"For shits and giggles" is an idiom used to express doing something purely for amusement or entertainment, without any serious or important reason behind it.

Idiom Explorer

Unconventional Amusement

For shits and giggles is an idiomatic phrase that is commonly used in colloquial speech, particularly in the United States. It is an informal expression that means doing something purely for the sake of amusement or entertainment. The idiom is often used to describe engaging in an action for the sheer enjoyment of it without any serious or practical purpose. It can be related to other idioms such as "for grins" and "for the hell of it".

The origins of the idiom are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged sometime in the mid-20th century. It has since gained widespread usage, primarily in informal contexts. The phrase is generally regarded as a playful and lighthearted way of expressing one's desire to engage in an activity purely for fun or amusement, without any ulterior motives or serious intentions.

The idiom "for shits and giggles" uses two colloquial terms to convey its meaning. The term "shits" is a vulgar slang term for feces, while "giggles" refers to laughter or amusement. By combining these two elements, the idiom creates a vivid and humorous image that effectively captures the notion of engaging in something purely for enjoyment.

That joke was hilarious, what a knee-slapper!

The related idiom "for grins" carries a similar meaning to "for shits and giggles". It is another informal expression that signifies doing something for the sake of amusement or entertainment. The term "grins" refers to smiles or laughter, emphasizing the lighthearted nature of the action. Like "for shits and giggles", "for grins" conveys a sense of spontaneity and a desire to indulge in an activity without any serious or practical purpose.

"For the hell of it" is another related idiom that shares a similar meaning with "for shits and giggles". It is an informal expression that signifies engaging in an activity purely for the sake of amusement or entertainment, without any particular reason or motivation. The idiom implies a sense of rebelliousness or defiance, as it suggests a willingness to deviate from conventional expectations or societal norms in favor of pursuing personal amusement and enjoyment.

These idioms are commonly used in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances, as well as in various forms of popular culture. They are often employed to express a sense of lightheartedness, spontaneity, and rebellion. It is important to note that these idioms are considered informal and somewhat colloquial in nature. They are generally not used in formal or professional settings, where a more appropriate and neutral language is favored. Consequently, their usage should be limited to appropriate contexts and among individuals who are familiar with their meaning and implications.

The idiom "for shits and giggles" and its related idioms are informal expressions that signify engaging in an activity purely for the sake of amusement or entertainment. They have gained widespread usage in colloquial speech and popular culture, often conveying a sense of lightheartedness, spontaneity, and rebellion. While the exact origins of these idioms are uncertain, they continue to be prominent and widely recognized phrases in contemporary American English.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "for shits and giggles" can be used in a sentence:

  • 1. Let's throw water balloons at each other for shits and giggles.
  • 2. He decided to ride his bike down the steep hill for shits and giggles.
  • 3. We dared each other to eat something spicy just for shits and giggles.

The idiom "for shits and giggles" is typically used to describe doing something for pure amusement or fun without any specific reason or important outcome. It implies a sense of indulging in a lighthearted activity simply for the sake of enjoyment or to add some excitement to a situation. The phrase often implies a willingness to engage in spontaneous, playful, or even slightly mischievous behavior without any significant consequences. It is colloquial in nature and may be used in casual or informal settings.

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