Usage Note
Merda is a vulgar expletive and one of the strongest swear words in Italian. It functions as a noun (che merda!, what a load of crap!) and appears in many crude expressions. In theatre, in bocca al lupo is the polite equivalent of 'break a leg'; shouting merda! is the blunter theatrical tradition. Avoid in formal contexts.
Examples
"Merda, ho perso le chiavi!"
Natural Translation
Shit, I lost my keys!
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