- A strong expression used to declare that something someone said is untrue, unfair, nonsensical, or dishonest.
- BS is a common, slightly milder abbreviation.
Explanation
Origin
- Bullshit has been used to mean nonsense or deceptive talk since the early 20th century.
- The exact origin is debated but likely relates to bull meaning boastful, deceptive talk.
- BS became a common euphemism later.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- That's cap. (Recent slang, especially AAVE/internet, meaning 'lie'. Cap signifies fabrication, untruth. Opposite: No cap = no lie, seriously.)
- That's bogus. (Slightly dated, but still used)
- No cap. (Used to assert one's own statement is *not* bullshit/lies)
- That's sketch. / That's sketchy. (Suggests something is suspicious or untrue)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- That's horseshit. (Similar meaning and vulgarity)
- That's fucking bullshit. (Intensified version)
Milder:
- I doubt that.
- That sounds unlikely.
- I disagree.
- That doesn't sound right.
- Poppycock. (Very dated, humorous)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to vulgar (bullshit) or informal (BS).
- Avoid bullshit in professional or formal settings.
- BS might be acceptable in some relaxed workplaces depending on the culture, but caution is advised.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Unlikely to be misunderstood in meaning, but the user should be aware of its strength and potential to offend or escalate conflict.
- Using it implies a direct challenge to someone's honesty or intelligence.
Examples
- A: He said he finished the report, but I know he hasn't started. B: That's bullshit!
- A: The company claims the layoffs are for restructuring, but they just posted record profits. B: That's BS.
- A: My cousin says he can bench press 500 pounds. B: That's total bullshit.
Dialogue
Jake: My friend told me you can get a brand new iPhone for $50 online.
Anna: That's bullshit. It's definitely a scam.
Jake: Really? He seemed sure.
Anna: Trust me, nobody sells new iPhones that cheap. That's total BS.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Claim: This new diet pill helps you lose 10kg in a week! Reply: That's bullshit. Don't fall for it. #scam
- Post: My insurance company denied my claim for the stupidest reason. Comment: Ugh, that's BS! Fight it!
- Forum discussion: User A: If you just work harder, you'll get rich. User B: That's bullshit. Systemic issues matter.
Response Patterns
- The person accused of talking bullshit might become defensive: No, it's not! It's true! or Why would you say that?
- They might challenge the accuser: How do you know? or Prove it!
- A third party might agree: Yeah, I thought that sounded fishy too.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing That's bullshit:
- The original speaker is likely to defend their statement or provide evidence. It is true! I saw the email!
- The person saying That's bullshit might follow up with their reasons for disbelief or evidence to the contrary. No way, I saw him playing video games all afternoon. That's bullshit. or Their own financial report contradicts that. That's BS.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Always a response to a statement perceived as false or unfair.
Intonation
- Usually delivered with a strong, forceful, and often indignant or dismissive tone.
- Stress typically falls on bullshit or BS. That's BULLSHIT!
Generation Differences
- Bullshit is widely used across generations (Gen X onwards). BS is also common.
- Older, more conservative individuals might still find both terms offensive.
Regional Variations
- Very common in North America, UK, Australia, NZ.
- Rubbish is a more common synonym in the UK/Aus/NZ.