Business Spotlight SCHIMPFEN IM BERUF^21WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
While all the expressions highlighted on these pages describe things
that have gone badly, there are differences in their usage and meaning.
A “shitshow” (Durcheinander) is a situation that is generally marked
by chaos, while a “clusterfuck” (heilloses Durcheinander, Riesenchaos) is
a complete disaster that affects many people in a negative way. It’s
usually caused by incompetence or bad management. A “fuck-up” or
a “cock-up” (Mist, Schlamassel) could be anything between a complete
disaster and — when used humorously — a minor mistake. All of the
expressions are vulgar.Offensive terms
● A total clusterfuck!
● It was a shitshow!
● It was a total cock-up!
● It’s fucked up.
● It’s fucked.
● They fucked/cocked/
screwed it up.
● They screwed up.
● Try not to fuck (it) up!
● We’re so totally fucked.
● We’re well and truly fucked.Inoffensive terms
● It’s a right mess! (UK)
● They botched it up.
● They messed up!
● They messed it up!Showing understanding
● Shit happens!Talking about success
● It’s the dog’s bollocks*. (UK)
(Das ist das Größte!, Das ist
phänomenal! (* Eier (Hoden))
● It’s a hit.Illustration: Bernhard Förth