Definition & Meaning of "shit happens"in English

What is the origin of the term "shit happens" and how is it used?

"Shit happens" is an English slang phrase that became popular in the late 20th century, particularly in American speech, combining the vulgar term "shit" with "happens" to acknowledge that bad or unfortunate events occur unpredictably. The phrase draws on the bluntness of "shit" to convey casual acceptance or resignation. It is widely used in informal conversation, social media, and humor to express that misfortune is part of life. The term is mildly vulgar but context-dependent: it is generally neutral in tone, conveying philosophical or humorous acceptance rather than insult.