Definition & Meaning of "[scare] the (living|) shit out of {sb}"

What is the origin of the idiom "scare the shit out of someone" and when to use it?

The phrase "scare the shit out of someone" is an idiomatic expression that originated as informal slang, likely evolving organically over time. The use of "scare" to denote fear or fright is a common concept, while the addition of "the shit out of someone" serves as a strong intensifier, emphasizing a deep and immediate scare. This expression is often used to describe experiences such as watching horror movies, encountering jump scares, participating in haunted attractions, sharing spooky stories, or engaging in pranks that aim to startle or frighten.