UP SHIT CREEK

What Does "Up Shit Creek" Mean?

Why Is There So Much Shit Everywhere?

The word "shit" is used for emphasis and to express emotions such as frustration and surprise. Due to its vulgarity, it has a rebellious nature and an attention-grabbing quality. Unfortunately though, the terms with the word shit are often idiomatic (i.e., not literal translations) and difficult to understand. Here is the term you are looking for:

"Up Shit Creek" means "In a Troublesome Situation or Predicament."

More Detail...

"Up shit creek" is a part of the phrase "up shit creek without a paddle." If someone is described as being "up shit creek," it means they're in a troublesome situation or predicament that is difficult to escape from. Adding "without a paddle" emphasizes the difficulty of the situation further, as it implies that the person has no means or resources to extricate themselves from the predicament, just as a person in a canoe without a paddle would have trouble navigating a creek. For example:

Jo: When they find out he did have classified documents that he shouldn't have had, he will be up shit creek.
Sam: I think you're forgetting he could swim in shit creek and come out smelling of roses.

"Shit creek" is an informal and crude phrase. It's important to consider the context and audience before using it. In order to avoid causing offence, "shit creek" is sometimes typed as "Schitt's creek." Check out our complete guide to talking shit.

Image for Up Shit Creek

When I write Up Shit Creek, I mean this:

"In a Troublesome Situation or Predicament"

Summary of Key Points

"In a Troublesome Situation or Predicament" is, by far, the most common meaning for Up Shit Creek when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)