- Bullshit (often abbreviated as BS): Refers to nonsense, lies, deceptive talk, or something untrue or insincere. Can also refer to bureaucratic nonsense or tedious tasks (deal with this BS).
- Can be used as an exclamation (Bullshit!) to express disbelief or disagreement, as a noun (That's a load of bullshit.), or an adjective (a bullshit excuse).
- BS is a milder, euphemistic abbreviation often used in slightly more polite contexts or in writing where the full word is inappropriate.
Explanation
Origin
- Bull has been used to mean nonsense or insincere talk since the 17th century (possibly related to papal bulls being seen as inflated).
- The specific compound bullshit emerged in the early 20th century (first attested around 1915) in American English.
- It implies the worthless, unpleasant nature of excrement, applied metaphorically to deceptive or meaningless language. Philosopher Harry Frankfurt wrote an essay, On Bullshit, distinguishing it from lying (a liar knows the truth and hides it; a bullshitter doesn't care what the truth is, only about persuading or impressing).
- BS abbreviation followed as a common euphemism.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Bullshit (already listed)
- Horseshit (Similar meaning, also vulgar)
- Batshit (Usually means 'crazy', but contextually can imply nonsensical)
- Dogshit (Usually means 'very poor quality', but contextually can imply worthless nonsense)
Slang/Informal:
- Crap
- Rubbish (esp. UK)
- Garbage
- Baloney / Bologna
- Malarkey (esp. US, popularized by Joe Biden)
- Crock (of shit) (Informal/Vulgar)
Milder/More Polite:
- BS / B.S.
- Nonsense
- That's not true.
- I don't believe that.
- That sounds unlikely/implausible.
- Hogwash, Poppycock (Dated, can sound humorous)
Situational Appropriateness
- Bullshit: Informal, vulgar. Avoid in polite company, formal settings, professional communication (unless the environment is very casual or you know the audience well). Can be offensive.
- BS: Informal, but less offensive than the full word. More acceptable in casual emails or speech where the full word is too strong, but still generally avoid in highly formal contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The main issue is using the vulgar form (bullshit) in inappropriate settings, causing offense.
- Non-native speakers should be cautious with its use until comfortable with social nuances.
Examples
- Exclamation: He won the lottery? Bullshit!
- Noun: Don't give me that bullshit about the traffic; you're just late. / I read the report, and it's mostly BS.
- Adjective: He gave some bullshit reason for why he couldn't come. / I have to fill out all these BS forms for work.
Dialogue
Person A: My boss said the budget cuts won't affect our team at all.
Person B: That sounds like bullshit to me. They always say that.
Person A: That's what I thought too. Complete BS. I bet we hear about layoffs next month.
Person B: Probably. Gotta wade through the corporate bullshit.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Politician promises lower taxes and better services with no cuts? Sounds like BS to me. #politics #bullshit
- Facebook comment: He claims he climbed Everest in a day? Bullshit!
- Reddit post: My manager gave me a bullshit reason for denying my raise. What should I do?
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, total BS. / I know, right?
- Disagreement/Defense: No, it's true! / I'm not bullshitting you.
- Asking for clarification (if unsure): What makes you say it's bullshit?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone calls BS:
- Ask for their reasoning: Why do you think so?
- Provide evidence if you believe the original statement: No, look, here's the proof.
- If you made the statement called BS: Defend it or admit it was inaccurate.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction or a description within a conversation. Exclaiming Bullshit! out of nowhere wouldn't make sense.
Intonation
- Exclamation: Sharp, forceful, often with falling intonation. BULLSHIT!
- Noun/Adjective: Stress on Bull. Said with annoyance, disbelief, or dismissal. That's BULLshit. / Stop BULLshitting me.
Generation Differences
- Bullshit is understood and used across most adult generations, though frequency might vary.
- BS is also widely understood and used as a common euphemism.
Regional Variations
- Bullshit and BS are common across most English-speaking regions.
- Rubbish as nonsense is more common in UK/Commonwealth English.
- Malarkey has seen a resurgence in the US due to political usage but is generally understood.