tell someone where to shove it: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" is a colloquial expression that is commonly used in American English. Its meaning is to express anger, frustration, or contempt towards someone by forcefully telling them to go away or leave. The idiom is considered to be rude and vulgar, as it includes a profanity.

The origin and etymology of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States. The idiom uses the verb "tell" in the sense of giving instructions or directions, and "shove it" is a vulgar phrase that refers to someone placing an object, often a person's opinions or requests, in an undesirable or inappropriate place.

This idiom is often used in situations where someone feels particularly irritated or annoyed, and wishes to convey strong disapproval or rejection of a person, their actions, or their ideas. It can be employed in various contexts, including personal relationships, workplaces, or confrontations. The usage of the idiom typically suggests a level of impoliteness and disrespect.

When someone tells another person to "shove it up your ass," it takes the original idiom to a more explicit and offensive level. This variation adds the physical act of shoving something into someone's posterior. It intensifies the insult and emphasizes the speaker's contempt for the recipient. The phrase is not appropriate for polite or formal conversations and should be used with caution, as it is likely to offend or escalate the situation.

"stuff it" is another related idiom that conveys a similar message to "tell someone where to shove it." It suggests that the recipient should take whatever they are being told and insert it forcefully into a specified location, typically their mouth. This idiom is often used to imply that the person should stop talking or expressing their opinions, indicating frustration or disdain. Like the original idiom, it is considered rude and should be used sparingly, especially in professional or formal settings.

In more confrontational situations, someone may choose to use the idiom "suck it" to express their anger or dismissiveness. The phrase implies that the person being spoken to should perform an explicit and degrading act. This variation of the idiom is particularly offensive and should be avoided in all but the most informal and intimate contexts.

One other related idiom is "shove something down someone's throat," which means to force someone to accept or believe something, often against their will or without consideration for their opinion. This idiom suggests a lack of respect for the other person's autonomy or perspective. When combined with the original idiom, it increases the rude and disrespectful connotation to an even greater level.

While these related idioms add additional layers of profanity and offensive language to the original idiom, it is important to remember that all variations should be used with caution and awareness of the context and audience. These expressions are not appropriate in formal or polite conversations, and their usage may result in causing offense or damaging relationships. It is always advisable to choose words and phrases that promote understanding and respect instead.