- An expression used to declare that something is untrue, nonsensical, unfair, or deliberately misleading.
- Bullshit (often abbreviated as BS or B.S. especially in writing or slightly more 'polite' informal speech) implies lies, exaggeration, or nonsense.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely emerged in the early 20th century in American English.
- Bull has older connotations of boastful or deceitful talk (possibly related to papal bulls being seen as authoritative pronouncements, or just the animal's perceived nature).
- Combining it with shit (meaning worthless refuse) creates a strong term for nonsense or lies – essentially, worthless talk/ideas.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- That's cap. (Recent slang, especially online/youth, meaning lies/falsehood. Originates from AAVE.)
- No cap. (Meaning no lie / for real)
- That's bogus. (Informal, means fake or unfair)
- That dog won't hunt. (US South, meaning that excuse/idea isn't plausible)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- That's fucking bullshit! (Stronger emphasis)
- Horseshit. (Similar meaning and strength)
Milder:
- I don't buy that.
- I find that hard to believe.
- That doesn't sound right.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal and vulgar.
- Inappropriate in formal, professional, or polite settings. BS is slightly less offensive when spoken or written but still very informal.
- Use when you strongly disagree with something and are in a context where swearing is acceptable.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might use it too casually without understanding its strength and potential to offend.
- It's a strong accusation of dishonesty or talking nonsense; it's not a mild disagreement.
Examples
- His excuse for being late? That's bullshit.
- They said the fee was mandatory, but that's total BS.
- Don't give me that bullshit, I know you weren't sick.
Dialogue
Person A: The boss said we have to work Saturday because the client needs it urgently.
Person B: That's bullshit! I spoke to the client yesterday, they said Monday was fine. He just wants us in.
Person A: Seriously? Total BS then.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Politician claims new policy won't raise taxes. That's BS and everyone knows it. #politics #lies
- Comment: His apology video felt so fake. Pure bullshit.
- Forum reply: User claim: 'You can get rich quick with this scheme!' -> Response: That's bullshit, it's clearly a scam.
Response Patterns
- Defense/Justification: No, it's true! Let me explain...
- Agreement: I know, right? Total bullshit.
- Anger/Denial: How dare you call me a liar? or It is NOT bullshit!
- Conceding: Okay, okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing it:
- Ask Why do you say that? or What makes you think it's bullshit?.
- Provide evidence to counter the claim.
- Challenge the speaker's accusation.
After saying it:
- Explain *why* you think it's bullshit, providing reasons or evidence.
- Demand the truth or a better explanation.
- Dismiss the topic or the person's statement.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction or statement of disagreement/disbelief, not an opener.
Intonation
- Strong stress typically falls on bullshit or BS.
- The tone is usually dismissive, skeptical, or angry. That's BULLSHIT.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by most adult generations (Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z). Boomers also use it, though perhaps slightly less casually. That's cap is distinctly Gen Z / younger Millennial.
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English.
- Also common in Canada, UK, Aus, NZ, though rubbish is a frequent alternative in the UK/Aus.