“SHTF” is an acronym that is used online for messaging and is used in a lot of text messaging also. All the acronyms that are used today can be difficult to keep track of, so if you have come across this one and need an explanation, then read on! Here you will find the meaning of this acronym, the information regarding its origin, and some other meanings that exist if there are any. You will also see some example conversations to help you better comprehend how the term is used in conversation and, finally, you will see some words or phrases you can use instead of this acronym to convey the same thought.
SHTF Meaning
What Does SHTF Mean?
The acronym “SHTF” represents the phrase “shit hit the fan” or “shit hits the fan.” This phrase is often interpreted to mean when something awful happens and chaos follows, such as a major natural disaster occurring and survivalist scenario.
Origin of SHTF
Although some information states that the phrase “shit hits the fan” or “shit hit the fan” dates back to the 1930s and originated in the military, the first known written record of the phrase that has solid proof occurred in 1948 in a novel by author Norman Mailer titled The Naked and the Dead. However, variations of the phrase were used in years before such as “stuff hits the fan.” Therefore, one can assume this phrase was in use well before it made an appearance in Mailer’s novel, but one cannot say for sure how long before. With the dawn of the internet and desire to make electronic communication much simpler, faster, and easier came acronyms to represent some of the more widely known phrases that have been used for years such as this one.
Other Meanings
There are no other meanings known presently.
Example Conversations
A text conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: Hey, you are a fan of The Walking Dead right?
- Friend 2: Yes! Still watch it faithfully every Sunday night. Why?
- Friend 1: I was just wondering what you would do if shtf like it did in that show?
- Friend 2: Honestly, I can’t say one way or the other.
An online conversation between three Facebook users.
- User 1: This car is a piece of junk! No one in their right mind would buy it from you.
- User 2: What has happened to people? If you don’t have anything nice to say and have no intention of buying it then just keep moving along, please.
- User 1: Hey! I can say what I want when I want to whom I want and you can’t stop me! Go ahead and try!
- User 3: Well, I can see shtf here! Stop trolling User 1!
Alternatives to “SHTF”
There are many other ways to say “SHTF” with phrases you can put in its place to mean the same thing. Some of these alternatives include:
- type it out; shit hits the fan
- stuff hits the fan
- it all goes downhill
SHTF Meaning Infographic
Last Updated on March 20, 2020