bullshit

13 synonyms and 8 antonyms for bullshit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A vulgar term for statements or information that are false, misleading, or exaggerated, especially when meant to impress or deceive.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

bull crap fake

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

nonsense rubbish garbage

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

baloney hogwash drivel malarkey hot air horseshit dogshit

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A vulgar term for statements or information that are false, misleading, or exaggerated, especially when meant to impress or deceive.

“Don't believe his excuses — it's all bullshit.”

nonsense baloney hogwash rubbish drivel malarkey hot air garbage bull horseshit dogshit crap

Opposites

absolutely damn skippy damn straight indeed I'll be bound true dat true that trufax

2. verb

To lie, exaggerate, or mislead someone; also, to talk casually with no real point.

“He tried to bullshit his way through the interview.”

fake bull

How to use bullshit

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a load of bullshit call bullshit bullshit artist

Considered vulgar; avoid in formal or professional writing. "Nonsense" or "hogwash" are milder substitutes.

Etymology

Literally "bull excrement"; the figurative sense meaning nonsense or lies dates to around the 1910s.

Full origin of bullshit →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bullshit” mean?

The word “bullshit” means a vulgar term for statements or information that are false, misleading, or exaggerated, especially when meant to impress or deceive. In plain terms, vulgar slang for lies, nonsense, or exaggeration — also used as a verb (to bullshit someone) or an interjection of disbelief.

How do you pronounce “bullshit”?

“Bullshit” is pronounced BUUL-shiht (/ˈbʊlʃɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “bullshit” in a sentence?

Here is “bullshit” used in a sentence: “Don't believe his excuses — it's all bullshit.”

What is the opposite of “bullshit”?

The opposite of “bullshit” — its antonyms — are absolutely, damn skippy, damn straight, indeed and I'll be bound.

What part of speech is “bullshit”?

Depending on how it is used, “bullshit” can be a noun, an adjective, a verb and an intj.

Where does the word “bullshit” come from?

The word “bullshit” dates back to around 1910.

Is “bullshit” a common word?

“Bullshit” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bullshit” have?

“Bullshit” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vulgar term for statements or information that are false, misleading, or exaggerated, especially when meant to impress or deceive.

What are polite alternatives to this word?

When you want to call something false or exaggerated without swearing, several clean options work well: nonsense, rubbish, hogwash, baloney, drivel, malarkey, and 'hot air'. Each conveys that a statement is empty or misleading. These fit reports, workplaces, and family settings where the stronger term would be inappropriate.

Related words

bullcrap

People also searched

absolutely indeed fake crap bull nonsense garbage rubbish horseshit drivel baloney hogwash

Nearby words

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