Shiesty Meaning, Uses, and Origins

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Learn how to define shiesty & where it comes from

Co-authored by Devin McSween Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: February 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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What does shiesty mean?

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How & When to Use Shiesty

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Origins

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Related Terms

You’ve likely heard people call someone “shiesty,” but what does this term mean? Shiesty (which is also spelled as “sheisty”) can mean someone is untrustworthy and dishonest or self-centered and greedy. Or, it can be slang for a ski mask. In this article, we’ll go over what shiesty means, when and how to use it, and where it comes from. Read on to find out more!

Shiesty Definition

“Shiesty” is a slang term that describes someone who is dishonest, deceptive, and shady. It is also used to describe someone who is selfish and inconsiderate of others. “Shiesty” or “shiesties” can sometimes refer to ski masks, too.

Section 1 of 4:

Meaning of Shiesty

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“Shiesty” describes someone deceitful, untrustworthy, or selfish. Calling someone shiesty is not a compliment; it’s similar to saying that someone is two-faced or self-centered. Someone who’s shiesty has a reputation for being morally questionable, opportunistic, and only thinking of themselves. They might lie, cheat, peddle scams, refuse to help others, and act shifty while pretending that they’re honest.^{[1]
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- “Jess is shiesty. She said she lost my dress but I saw her wearing it today!”
- “Don’t be shiesty, I know you have an extra pen! I promise to give it back.”
- Note: Both “shiesty” and “sheisty” are acceptable spellings for this term.
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When used as a noun, “shiesty” is slang for a ski mask. Saying “shiesties” is a slang way to refer to ski masks and balaclavas. These are face and head coverings that only leave your eyes exposed. Shiesties grew popular during the 2020s as a streetwear trend and as a way to stay warm and anonymous.^{[2]
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- “Theo looks so cool in his shiesty. I want one!”
- “Did you see the shiesties they were wearing? They look pretty sick.”

Section 2 of 4:

How & When to Use Shiesty

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Call out someone’s bad behavior by calling them shiesty. When someone you know is being dishonest, sneaky, or inconsiderate, don’t let them get away with their behavior. Confront your friend in private when you both have time to talk. Simply use “I” language to tell them how their behavior makes you feel. Then, work together to set expectations about your friendship and improve your relationship.^{[3]
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- “I feel like you’re being shiesty by avoiding my calls about paying me back. Can we find a time to talk about this? If there’s something going on I’m happy to work with you and figure this out together.”
- “Honestly, you’re being shiesty. Do you have a second to talk about this? I feel upset when you expect me to clean up after you but you don’t clean up after yourself.”
- If a stranger is being shiesty, let other people know to steer clear of them so they don’t get duped and hurt by their actions.
“Shiesty” is an informal, slang term, so it’s not usually appropriate to use it in professional contexts, like at work or school. Instead, use it in conversations with friends, family, and other people you’re close with.

Section 3 of 4:

The Origins of Shiesty

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“Shiesty” likely originates from the slang word “shyster.” It’s unclear where exactly “shiesty” comes from, but most trace it back to “shyster,” which is a slang term that describes someone (especially a lawyer or politician) who’s unethical, dishonest, and sly. “Shyster” likely comes from the German word scheisser, which loosely translates to “a**hole.”^{[4]
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- Some people consider “shiesty” to be African American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang due to its popularity in rap and hip-hop music.
- “Shiesty” might be a combination of the words “sh*t,” “shicer” (which means “worthless”), and “fiesty.”^{[5]
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Pooh Shiesty is a popular rapper who is famous for wearing ski masks when he performs. So, people started calling ski masks shiesties and wearing them, too.^{[6]
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Section 4 of 4:

Related Terms

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Check out other slang terms that are similar to “shiesty” and what they mean below:
- Shady, which means someone is dishonest, untrustworthy, and fake
- Sus, which is short for “suspicious”
- Cap, which means “to lie” (no cap means “no lie” or “I’m not lying”)
- Opp, which is short for “opponent” or “opposition” and refers to someone you don’t get along with or have a conflict with
- IDGAF, which stands for “I don’t give a f***”