What Does “Shooketh” Mean?

Shooketh Definition

“Shooketh” expresses shock, surprise, or other strong feelings. “Shooketh” is essentially an intensified version of “shook,” a Gen Z slang term that people use when they’re experiencing a strong emotional reaction to an event. When someone says they're “shooketh,” something has rattled, unsettled, or completely astonished them. The term can be used in a positive or negative context. Here are some examples: “I’m so shooketh right now. I’m at the grocery store, and I just ran into the two people I didn’t want to see—my ex and his new girlfriend.” “I had no idea you guys were planning this surprise party! I thought I was coming home to my two cats, but I opened the door to find 20 of my best friends instead. I’m literally shooketh.” “Everyone was expecting her to win the gold medal, but she fell on her beam routine. The whole stadium was shooketh.”

Where did the term “shooketh” come from?

The term “shooketh” was coined by comedian Christine Sydelko. In 2017, she posted a YouTube video of herself saying “I’m shooketh” in response to being recognized at a Boston Market Restaurant. The suffix “-eth” was common in Early Modern English, the English spoken during Shakespeare’s time, so you’ve likely heard it in some of his works. For example, “Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.”—Venus and Adonis, Line 799 Adding a Shakesperean-sounding suffix like “-eth” to a modern slang term like “shook” creates a humorous juxtaposition, which may have been Sydelko’s aim when she said “I’m shooketh.”

How to Use “Shooketh” in Conversation

Say you’re “shooketh” when you’re shocked or surprised. “I’m shooketh” is a great phrase to use when an unexpected event leaves you totally astonished. It perfectly conveys the intensity of your feelings, whether you’re shocked in a positive way (like when you receive an awesome gift) or shocked in a negative way (like when you get into an unexpected argument with a friend). Here are some examples: “I just heard my friend is having a baby, and I’m shooketh. I know we’re grown adults with degrees and full-time jobs, but in my head we’re still kids!” “The night started out normal, but then she had a few too many drinks and picked a huge fight with me in the middle of the bar. I was shooketh.” “My friend just introduced me to her new boyfriend, and it’s this guy that I went on a terrible blind date with a few months ago. I’m shooketh.” “I was just minding my business at the farmer’s market, and I turned around and saw the lead singer of my favorite band. I was literally so shooketh that I couldn’t speak.” “It was only our six month anniversary so I wasn’t expecting anything special, but she surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and matching necklaces. I was so shooketh.”