interjection
bollocks
BO-luhks
Bollocks (interjection) means an exclamation of anger or frustration. (British, vulgar slang). Example: “Bollocks!" he shouted when he missed the last train.”
interjection
1
An exclamation of anger or frustration. (British, vulgar slang)
""Bollocks!" he shouted when he missed the last train."
2
An exclamation showing you think something is nonsense or untrue. (British, vulgar slang)
""That's absolute bollocks," she said, dismissing the excuse."
verb
1
To ruin or make a mess of something. (British, informal)
"He completely bollocksed the presentation by losing his notes."
How to use bollocks
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBritish slang for nonsense, or an exclamation of frustration, or messing something up badly.
When to use it
Vulgar slang, common in the UK but rarely used this way in American English.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bollocks.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- bollockses
- Past tense
- bollocksed
Etymology
From Middle English ballokes, the plural of ballok ("testicle"), from Old English bealluc.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “bollocks” mean?
The word “bollocks” means an exclamation of anger or frustration. (British, vulgar slang). In plain terms, british slang for nonsense, or an exclamation of frustration, or messing something up badly.
How do you pronounce “bollocks”?
“Bollocks” is pronounced BO-luhks (/ˈbɒ.ləks/ in IPA).
How do you use “bollocks” in a sentence?
Here is “bollocks” used in a sentence: “"Bollocks!" he shouted when he missed the last train.”
What is another word for “bollocks”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bollocks” include Horlicks.
What part of speech is “bollocks”?
Depending on how it is used, “bollocks” can be an interjection and a verb.
Where does the word “bollocks” come from?
The word “bollocks” comes from Old English.
How many meanings does “bollocks” have?
“Bollocks” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation of anger or frustration. (British, vulgar slang).
