Is “Crap” a Bad Word?

PDF download Download Article
Learn when it’s appropriate (and inappropriate) to use this mild curse word
PDF download Download Article

“Crap” is a popular and versatile word, but is it considered profanity? Though “crap” isn’t usually seen as obscene or vulgar, it can be inappropriate in certain situations. If you’re wondering whether or not “crap” is a bad word, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll answer this question and explain when it would be appropriate (or inappropriate) to use it. We’ll also cover the definition of “crap” and list some other words you can use instead, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

  • “Crap” isn’t technically a swear word, but it can be considered rude or inappropriate in certain formal or public settings.
  • For example, you'll probably want to avoid saying “crap” at work, in front of your teacher at school, or around older people like your grandparents.
  • Similar, less offensive words that you could use instead include “junk,” “garbage,” “baloney” or “nonsense.”
Section 1 of 3:

Is “crap” a bad word?

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s sort of an in-between term—it’s not as vulgar or obscene as other profanities, but it’s probably not okay to say in a more formal setting. [1] For example, you probably wouldn’t want to say this term in front of your teacher at school or your boss at work.
    • When deciding whether or not to use the word “crap,” think about the setting you’re in and the people you’re with.
    • If you’re hanging out with your friends in an informal setting, it’s probably more acceptable to say it.
    • On the other hand, if you’re spending time with your grandparents, you might want to avoid it . In the past, “Crap” was considered more of a swear word, so they might find it offensive. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

What does “crap” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. In its most literal sense, “crap” is a rude word for feces or excrement. As a slang term, “crap” can mean that something is junk or of bad quality (“This book is crap—the writing is so bad!”) It can also mean that something is nonsense (“Everything he said was crap. He didn’t tell the truth at all!”) [3]
    • It can be used as an adjective: “The new shoes I got were really crappy quality—they started falling apart the first time I wore them!” [4]
    • Or to add emphasis to an exclamation: “That scared the crap out of me!” [5]
    • Or to refer to stuff/clutter: “Why is all this crap strewn around the room? We’ve got to tidy up!” [6]
    • Common variations include the exclamation "holy crap," which is used to express surprise, or the phrase "bull crap," which means that something is nonsensical or untrue. [7]
Section 3 of 3:

Other Words to Use

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to say that something is worthless or poor quality, consider using “junk” or “garbage” instead. They’re not swear words, but they definitely get the same point across as “crap.” [8] Here are some examples:
    • “I wanted to like the movie, but it turned out to be garbage. It wasn’t entertaining or enjoyable at all!”
    • “I need to start going through my closet to get rid of stuff I don’t need anymore. It’s full of junk!”
  2. If you want to say that something is completely silly or nonsensical but don’t want to use the word “crap,” try using “foolishness,” “baloney,” or “nonsense” instead. [9] For example:
    • “I used to think it was okay to gossip, but now I’m done with all that foolishness. It just causes unnecessary drama in the end.”
    • “My sister tried to convince me that ghosts are real, but I think that’s a bunch of baloney.”
    • “I used to believe that I’d fail a test if I didn’t use my lucky pencil, but now I know that’s nonsense.”
  3. If you’re looking for an adjective to describe something, but you don’t want to say “crappy,” consider saying “lousy,” “cheap,” or “worthless.” They have similar meanings, but they’re not swear words. [10]
    • “I’m so done with this lousy phone. I’ve had it for way too long, and it’s definitely time for a replacement.”
    • “My new backpack is way too cheap. The zipper broke, and I’ve only had it for a few weeks.”
    • “Ugh, my rain boots are totally worthless! They didn’t keep any water out at all.”
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does "Sigma" Mean on TikTok?
      Everything You Need to Know About Skibidi & Skibidi Toilet
      What Does "Bop" Mean in Slang & Why Is It Problematic for Girls?
      What Does the Slang Term “FAFO” Mean? (Plus How to Use It)
      What Does "I'm Cooked" Mean? TikTok Slang, Explained
      What Zesty Really Means on TikTok
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      What Is Glazing?
      Everything You Need to Know About the “My Roman Empire” TikTok Trend
      What is “Rizz” and How Do You Get It?
      What Is a "Body Count"?
      What Does GGG Mean?
      Your Ultimate Guide to Millennial Slang
      What Does "Unc Status" Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/crappy
      2. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/crap
      3. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/crap
      4. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crappy
      5. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/crap
      6. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crap
      7. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/submission/7856/Holy+crap
      8. ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/crap
      9. ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/crap
      1. ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/crappy

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 5,371 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement