la merda

Definition & meaning

Merda means “shit” or “excrement.” It is a vulgar word used both literally and figuratively:

• Feces: waste matter from the body.
• Something worthless or unpleasant: “crap” or “rubbish.”
• An exclamation: “Shit!” expressing anger, frustration, or dismay.

Grammar & Word origin

A feminine noun: la merda. The plural is merde, though the singular is more common.

It comes from Latin merda, meaning “excrement.”

Synonyms & antonyms

• escremento ↗ — “excrement”; a formal, neutral term.
• cacca ↗ — “poo”; less vulgar and often used with children.
• schifezza ↗ — “rubbish” or “something disgusting”; less vulgar in the figurative sense.

There is no direct antonym.

Common phrases & collocations

• di merda ↗ — “shitty” or “terrible,” describing something of very poor quality.
• essere nella merda ↗ — “to be in deep shit,” meaning to be in serious trouble.
• merda! ↗ — “Shit!” as an exclamation.