bullshit

[ bool-shit ]

noun

1. nonsense, lies, or exaggeration.

verb (used with object)

, bull·shit·ted or bull·shit, bull·shit·ting.

1. to lie or exaggerate to.

verb (used without object)

, bull·shit·ted or bull·shit, bull·shit·ting.

1. to speak lies or nonsense.

interjection

1. (used especially to express disagreement.)

bullshit

/ ˈbʊlʃɪt /

noun

1. exaggerated or foolish talk; nonsense
2. deceitful or pretentious talk
3. (in the British Army) exaggerated zeal, esp for ceremonial drill, cleaning, polishing, etc Usually shortened tobull

verb

1. intr to talk in an exaggerated or foolish manner
2. to talk bullshit to

Usage

This word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Derived Forms

• ˈbullshitter, noun

Other Words From

• bull·shit·ter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullshit¹

First recorded in 1910–15; bull ¹ (perhaps reinforced by bull ² ) + shit

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. call bullshit, to call out or direct attention to lies, nonsense, or exaggeration: call BS.

   It’s time to call bullshit on the fantasy of colonizing Mars and get to work saving the planet we already have.

Example Sentences

Right up until Thomas Bilgram, a quirky Dane, called bullshit on that and saved dozens of dying, barley-filled libations, eventually reincarnating them into Mashed Up Craft Gin.

From Ozy

Meanwhile, people who typically make a lot of money on Wall Street, like billionaire hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman, say the Reddit-fueled short squeeze is “bullshit.”

From Time

You crack down on all the super-engaging bullshit, and your profits go out the window.

From Time

Kylie wanders through most of the film the way I wandered through most of 2020 — glassy-eyed, openly horrified at everyone else’s bullshit, and desperate to go outside.

From Vox

My coworkers and friends knew it was bullshit, and that’s what matters most.

From Fortune

Related Words

• bull
• crap