“Shit from Shinola” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 10, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever heard someone use the term shit from Shinola? If you have, you might have wondered what the phrase means. We are going to take a look at the meaning of this term as well as looking at some examples of how it can be used in a conversation. We will also find out a little bit about the history of the phrase and where it first came from.

“Shit from Shinola” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “shit from Shinola” is an idiomatic expression used to indicate the ability to distinguish between two very different things, especially in terms of quality or authenticity. It often implies that someone is capable of discerning between what is valuable and what is worthless.
Shit from ShinolaPin
Shit from Shinola – Created by 7ESL

“Shit from Shinola” Meaning

The phrase “shit from Shinola” is an idiomatic expression used to indicate the difference between something of poor quality (often used to imply ignorance or lack of understanding) and something of higher quality or value. Essentially, it suggests that one should be able to distinguish between the two, often used in a context where someone is being criticized for not knowing better or for being deceived.

Examples:

  • “If you think that cheap knockoff is the same as the original, you really can’t tell shit from Shinola.”
  • “He talks a lot, but honestly, he doesn’t know shit from Shinola about the subject.”

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase dates back to the mid-20th century and is believed to have originated in the United States. Shinola was a brand of shoe polish that was well-known for its quality. The expression implies that if someone cannot tell the difference between “shit” (something worthless) and Shinola (a reputable product), they are lacking discernment or common sense.

Usage of “Shit from Shinola”

  • In a discussion about quality:

“When it comes to buying used cars, you need to know your stuff; otherwise, you won’t be able to tell shit from Shinola.”

  • Talking about discernment:

“She claims to be an expert in fashion, but she clearly can’t tell shit from Shinola when it comes to genuine designer items.”

  • In a workplace context:

“If you don’t understand the project requirements, you might end up delivering shit instead of Shinola.”

  • In a casual conversation:

“He thought he was making a smart investment, but he really can’t tell shit from Shinola in the stock market.”

Related Terms to “Shit from Shinola”

  • Can’t tell the difference – indicating an inability to distinguish between two things.
  • Know your shit – to have a good understanding or knowledge of a particular subject.
  • Discerning – having or showing good judgment, particularly in matters of taste or quality.
  • Taste vs. trash – the ability to differentiate between what is valuable or refined and what is worthless.
  • Judgment call – a decision made based on one’s judgment rather than a set of rules.
  • Street smarts – practical knowledge and experience that helps one navigate everyday life and avoid pitfalls.
  • Wise up – to become more aware or informed about something.
  • In the know – being informed or knowledgeable about a particular subject or situation.
  • See through the BS – the ability to recognize falsehoods or nonsense.
  • Crap detector – an informal term for someone who can easily identify deception or poor quality.

Other Ways to Say “Shit from Shinola”

There are other ways in which you can say the term shit from Shinola by using different words. Here are some examples of things you might say which carry the same meaning.

  • Doesn’t know shit
  • Hasn’t got a clue

“Shit from Shinola” Examples

Examples in Statements

There might be many times in which you hear the term shit from Shinola, here are some examples of sentences in which we see the phrase appear.

The first statement is being made by an employer.

  • That new guy is terrible, he doesn’t know shit from Shinola when it comes to this job.

The next statement is being made from one friend to another.

  • We will go out without Mike, he won’t realise, he’s so thick, he doesn’t know shit from Shinola.

Conversation Examples

If you are curious to see how the term shit from Shinola can work in a day to day conversation, we are now going to look at some examples of what you might hear.

The first is a conversation between two friends.

  • Person 1; “Did you know that John’s wife is having an affair?”
  • Person 2; “Who doesn’t know!”
  • Person 1; “John doesn’t know.”
  • Person 2; “Well he doesn’t know shit from Shinola, he’s in his own little world.”

The next is a conversation which is taking place between a boss and his employee.

  • Person 1; “Do you know how to use this new system?”
  • Person 2; “Are you kidding me? It’s impossible, I’d struggle to know shit from Shinola when it comes to this.”
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