Apparently Trump actually said 'sh*thouse', and people are questioning if it's a word

Regardless, it's a pretty sh*thouse thing to say.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
Apparently Trump actually said 'sh*thouse', and people are questioning if it's a word
Shithouse or shithole? Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Yes, we're having this discussion.

As the fallout over Trump's alleged remark about the U.S. accepting people from "shithole" countries continues, we might be all getting angry about the wrong word.

The word uttered, according to a tweet by Washington Post's White House reporter Josh Dawsey, apparently might be "shithouse."

So far Trump has denied using any shit-related word, despite Democrat senator Dick Durbin attesting to the fact he said it.

While the debate over the exact word Trump used doesn't dilute the malice of it, it did lead to people wondering if "shithouse" was actually a word.

Of British origin, "shithouse" means an outhouse, and is also a more enjoyable way of saying "shit." It can be used as a slang word for poor quality, or when used in the idiom "built like a brick shithouse" it means something or someone with a tough physique.

The word was even a punchline in 1993's Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Maybe Donald's a fan.

It's a pretty common expression in Australia.

Regardless, whatever Trump said, it's a pretty shithouse thing for him to say.

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Seth Meyers calls out Trump and Republicans clashing over the word 'war'
Seth Meyers presents "Late Night" beside an image of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth.


'The Daily Show' responds to Trump waffling about a secret U.S. weapon
A man in a suit sits behind a talk show desk, with an image of the president in the top-left. The caption at the bottom reads, "The discombobulator?"

Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show: What the football said
Bad Bunny holding a Puerto Rican flag.

Instagram reportedly deletes Bellesa sex toy shop account for using the word 'clitoris'
illustration showing screenshot of email banning bellesa instagram account

More in Life
California just launched the country's largest public broadband network
Newsom stands behind a teen on a computer. A group of people cheer and clap behind them.

The Shark FlexStyle is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe, and it's $160 off at Amazon right now
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System against a colorful background.

Amazon's sister site is having a one-day sale, and this Bissell TurboClean deal is too good to skip
A woman using the Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner Mop and Lightweight Wet/Dry Vacuum.

The best smartwatch you've never heard of is on sale for less than $50
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro in light green with blue and green abstract background

Reddit r/all takes another step into the grave
Reddit logo on phone screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!