What Does “Shooketh” Mean?

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Discover why the phrase “I’m shooketh” is all over your social media

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: August 28, 2024 Fact Checked

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Shooketh Definition

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Origins & Popularization

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Using “Shooketh” in Conversation

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Other Gen Z Slang Terms

If you’re a social media user or a member of Gen Z, you’ve probably heard the phrase “I’m shooketh” before. But what exactly does the word “shooketh” mean, and where did it come from? If you want to learn more about this popular slang term, look no further! We’ll go over the definition of “shooketh,” explain its origins, and provide examples of how to use it in conversation. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

“Shooketh” Meaning

“Shooketh” is a popular slang term used to express surprise or shock. It is a variation of the term “shook,” which shares the same meaning. When someone says “I’m shooketh,” they’re saying that something has rattled, unsettled, or astonished them. For example, “I can’t believe we just met Taylor Swift. I’m shooketh.”

Section 1 of 4:

Shooketh Definition

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“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.^{[1]
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Research source} 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.^{[2]
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Research source} 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.”

Section 2 of 4:

Where did the term “shooketh” come from?

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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 Boston Market, a local establishment in Boston, MA.^{[3]
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- 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.^{[4]
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  - For example, “Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.”—Venus and Adonis, Line 799^{[5]
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- 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.”
Users on platforms like X (formerly twitter), Instagram, and TikTok began using the phrase in their posts and when making memes. Sydelko also released a song titled “Shooketh” with Elijah Daniel (who shared her YouTube account) and rapper lil aaron, which contributed to the popularity of the phrase.^{[6]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Shooketh” in Conversation

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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.^{[7]
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Research source} 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.”

Section 4 of 4:

Other Gen Z Slang Terms

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“Shooketh” is one of many slang terms popularized on social media. Some of these words and phrases got their start with viral videos (like Christine Sydelko’s video saying “I’m shooketh,”) and others simply began spreading in various posts on TikTok, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter). Here are a few other terms to look out for if you’re hoping to brush up on your Gen Z lingo:
- It’s giving: Used when something is giving off a certain energy or vibe. For example, “This dinner is amazing! It’s giving gourmet chef.”
- Cap: Used to accuse someone of lying (“that’s cap” or “you’re capping”). It can also be used to assure someone that you’re telling the truth (“no cap”).
- Rizz: “Rizz” is short for “charisma,” and it essentially refers to someone’s ability to charm or flirt with someone.
- Ick: An “ick” is a turn off or unattractive trait in romance or dating. For example, someone might say, “When he ignored me and played video games on our date, it gave me the ick.”
- Beige flag: A “beige flag” is something that is neither a red flag or a green flag in romance or dating. In other words, it’s a little quirk that isn’t a big deal, but it is unique or unusual.^{[8]
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