English

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Etymology

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Earliest known use is from 1949 in Dan Levin's Mask of Glory.[1]

Phrase

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I shit you not

  1. (vulgar) Synonym of I kid you not (Used to insist that one is telling the truth) [from mid-20th c.]
    • 1954, Robert James Collas Lowry, “Casualty”, in Happy New Year, Kamerades!, Doubleday & Company, page 106:
      “What’sa matter?” Mudgen asked. “Ain’t you ever seen snow before?” But he couldn't keep himself from going over to the door. “Well I shit you not it is snowing!”

References

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  1. ^ Dan Levin (1949) Mask of Glory, Whittlesey House, page 193:“I thought I'd never catch you guys,” little Perillo chattered. “That DiNardi, he ran my ass off. Third platoon, second platoon, first platoon. I'm a mucking Paul Revere, I shit you not.”