COMMON If someone or something gets short shrift, they are treated very rudely or given very little attention. Unfortunately, these proposals are likely to get short shrift from the government. Anyone who complains will get short shrift from me. Note: You can also say that someone gives someone or something short shrift. When I was a waitress I gave short shrift to customers who got on my nerves. Such objections are likely to be given short shrift by the committee. Note: `Shrift' is an old word meaning confession to a priest. In the past, condemned criminals were allowed only a few minutes to make their confession before they were executed.