You’re scrolling through TikTok or deep in a group chat when you see it: “That’s my type shit fr.” You pause. It’s not quite grammatical, but everyone else seems to get it. Is it good? Is it bad? That moment of slang confusion is universal—we’ve all been there, squinting at a phrase that feels like a secret code. Don’t worry, that cryptic feeling ends now. Let’s break down “type shit,” the versatile slang term that’s all about expressing strong personal approval.
Type shit” means “the kind of thing I really like or that is characteristic of someone/something.” It’s a casual, emphatic, and affirming way of saying “that’s exactly my style” or “that’s very typical.”
🧠: What Does “Type Shit” Mean in Text?
At its core, “type shit” is a declarative phrase used to show strong approval or recognition. It connects something—a song, a behavior, an aesthetic—directly to your personal preferences or to the essential nature of a person or group.
Think of it as a more impactful, generationally-current version of saying “that’s so me” or “that’s his specialty.” The “shit” here isn’t vulgar in the traditional sense; it’s a versatile linguistic placeholder (like “stuff” or “things”), adding emphasis and a certain tonal authenticity common in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), from which this phrase spread into mainstream internet slang.
Example: “A late-night drive with synthwave playing? That’s my type shit.”
In short: Type Shit = The Kind of Thing I/They/We Are Really Into = A emphatic stamp of approval or identification.
📱 Where Is “Type Shit” Commonly Used?
This slang thrives in informal, peer-to-peer digital spaces. You’ll rarely see it in formal writing, but it’s everywhere online.
- TikTok & Instagram Reels 🎵: Used in captions or comments to praise content that aligns perfectly with one’s taste. (“This aesthetic is my type shit.”)
- Twitter (X) & Meme Pages 😂: To humorously claim or point out typical behavior. (“Waking up at 2 PM on a Saturday. Roommate type shit.”)
- Group Chats (iMessage, WhatsApp) 💬: Among friends to affirm shared likes or call out each other’s habits.
- Gaming & Streamer Chats 🎮: To hype up a player’s signature move. (“That clutch headshot? That’s [GamerTag] type shit.”)
- Music Platforms (Spotify, SoundCloud) 🎧: In playlist titles or descriptions to curate a very specific vibe.
Tone: It is exclusively casual, social-media-friendly, and conversational. Use it with friends, peers, or in online communities, but never in professional, academic, or formal family settings.
💬 Examples of “Type Shit” in Conversation
Here’s how it looks in real, messy texts.
- Sharing Music:
A: sends a link to a lofi hip-hop beat
B: yo, this is exactly my type shit. thanks for the put on. - Affirming a Friend’s Action:
A: just told my boss i need a mental health day.
B: self-care type shit!! proud of you. - Identifying a Common Trait:
A: we all showed up wearing black hoodies without planning it.
B: lmao, friend group type shit. - Celebrating a Win:
A: just finished the whole project in one night.
B: grind type shit! get that bread. - Characterizing Someone:
A: jake brought homemade cookies to the party.
B: that’s jake type shit, always coming through. - Commenting on a Vibe:
A: this cafe has dark wood, vinyl, and great coffee.
B: ok this is 100% my type shit. let’s stay here.
🕓 When to Use and When Not to Use “Type Shit”
✅ When to Use:
- With close friends and peers who understand modern slang.
- In casual text messages, DMs, or social media comments.
- To express genuine, enthusiastic approval.
- To humorously acknowledge a stereotypical behavior.
- In contexts where casual or even slightly edgy language is the norm.
❌ When NOT to Use:
- In professional emails, reports, or presentations.
- When speaking to superiors, teachers, or elders (unless you know their style very well).
- In formal writing like essays, cover letters, or official documents.
- In situations requiring严肃, sensitive, or solemn language.
- When you’re unsure if the audience will understand the nuanced, non-vulgar use of “shit.”
Comparison Table:
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) |
|---|---|---|
| Friend’s IG Story | “Coffee and rain? Your type shit fr ☕️🌧️” | Casual, affirming, and fits the platform’s tone. |
| Workplace Feedback | “Your thorough analysis on this is excellent.” | “Type shit” is unprofessional; polite, clear praise is better. |
| Texting a Sibling | “You fixed my laptop? Sibling type shit, thanks!” | Familiar, affectionate, and uses inside humor. |
| Formal Email | “Please take your time to review the proposal.” | “Type shit” is inappropriate; standard formal language is required. |
🔄 Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
Can’t use “type shit” every time? Here are some alternatives with slightly different flavors.
| Slang | Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| That’s the one | “That’s exactly the right thing.” | More versatile but less emphatic than “type shit.” |
| Big [Noun] Energy | “Having the characteristic vibe of.” (“Big Brain Energy”) | For labeling a specific, dominant trait. |
| Vibe/Vibes | “The atmosphere or feeling something gives.” | Softer, less declarative. “This gives good vibes.” |
| On Brand | “Typical of and consistent with one’s identity.” | Slightly more mature, used in semi-casual or pop-culture talk. |
| That’s so [Name] | “That is characteristic of this person.” | Personal and direct, perfect inside a friend group. |
| That’s a W | “That’s a Win.” | For celebrating a successful action more than a preference. |
🧐 The Linguistic Breakdown of “Type Shit”
The phrase is fascinating linguistically. It follows a common structure in informal English: “[Possessive] + Type + Shit.” The possessive (my, your, his, their, our) is often implied. The word “type” functions as an adjective here, meaning “characteristic of.” “Shit” acts as a dummy noun, a placeholder that carries tonal weight—conveying attitude, familiarity, and emphasis—without specific meaning. This usage strips the vulgarity, making it about expression rather than offense.
🔥 Why “Type Shit” Became So Popular
Its rise mirrors internet culture itself. It’s concise, emphatic, and tribe-building. Saying “that’s my type shit” instantly communicates your taste and finds your people. It’s perfect for meme culture, where humor relies on recognizing shared, often exaggerated, behaviors (“introvert type shit”). Platforms like TikTok accelerated its spread, as users needed punchy, relatable captions to define niche aesthetics and inside jokes.
🎯 Is “Type Shit” Flirty, Rude, or Friendly?
Primarily, it’s friendly and affirming. It can be used in a flirty context if you’re aligning your tastes with someone you’re interested in (“So you like arthouse films too? That’s my type shit 😉”). It is not inherently rude, but its informality and use of “shit” make it inappropriate for formal or respectful contexts. Intent and audience are everything.
📝 How to Use “Type Shit” Correctly in a Sentence
Grammar still matters, even in slang! The standard formula is:
“[Demonstrated Thing] + is + [Possessive] type shit.”
- Correct: “This new playlist is my type shit.” / “Helping without being asked? That’s her type shit.”
- Incorrect: “This my type shit.” (Missing the verb “is”) / “That’s type shit of me.” (Awkward and uncommon structure).
🗣️ Cultural Context and Appropriation
It’s crucial to acknowledge that “type shit” and its grammatical structure have roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). As with any slang born from Black culture that enters the mainstream, use it respectfully. Understand its meaning, don’t strip it of context, and avoid using it to stereotype. Appreciation, not appropriation, is key.
🤔 Common Misunderstandings of “Type Shit”
- Misunderstanding 1: It’s always vulgar. Reality: The vulgarity is largely neutralized; it’s about emphasis.
- Misunderstanding 2: It means “bad” or “poor quality.” Reality: It almost always means the opposite—high approval.
- Misunderstanding 3: It can describe objects alone. Reality: It describes the relationship between an object/action and a person’s taste or character.
❓ FAQs About “Type Shit”
What does ‘type shit’ mean?
It’s a slang phrase meaning “the kind of thing I/we/they really like” or “behavior that is very characteristic.” It’s a stamp of approval.
Is ‘type shit’ a bad word?
The word “shit” is a mild profanity. The phrase itself isn’t used offensively but is very casual. Avoid it in formal or polite company.
Can you use ‘type shit’ in a positive way?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s almost exclusively used positively or humorously to show strong liking or identification.
What’s the difference between ‘my type’ and ‘my type shit’?
“My type” usually refers to a romantic preference. “My type shit” refers to anything you enjoy—music, food, activities, vibes. It’s much broader.
Conclusion
So, the next time you see “type shit” lighting up your screen, you won’t feel lost. You’ll recognize it for what it is: a digital high-five, a badge of shared identity, or a perfectly succinct commentary on someone’s signature style. It’s the linguistic tool for saying, “I see you, and I approve” or “That is so authentically them.” Now that you’re in the know, you can confidently use it (where appropriate!) to connect with your crew and define your vibe. That’s knowledge type shit.
