noun
Common
bullshit
BUUL-shiht
Bullshit (noun) means a vulgar term for statements or information that are false, misleading, or exaggerated, especially when meant to impress or deceive. Example: “Don't believe his excuses — it's all bullshit.”
noun
1
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."
"The report was full of corporate bullshit with no real substance."
adj
1
Absurd, nonsensical, or clearly untrue.
"That's a bullshit excuse and you know it."
verb
1
To lie, exaggerate, or mislead someone; also, to talk casually with no real point.
"He tried to bullshit his way through the interview."
"We spent the afternoon just bullshitting on the porch."
intj
1
An exclamation of disbelief at something just said.
""Bullshit! There's no way that actually happened.""
How to use bullshit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishVulgar slang for lies, nonsense, or exaggeration — also used as a verb (to bullshit someone) or an interjection of disbelief.
When to use it
Considered vulgar; avoid in formal or professional writing. "Nonsense" or "hogwash" are milder substitutes.
Common pairings
a load of bullshit
call bullshit
bullshit artist
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bullshits
- Past tense
- bullshitted, bullshat
- Comparative
- more bullshit
- Superlative
- most bullshit
Etymology
Literally "bull excrement"; the figurative sense meaning nonsense or lies dates to around the 1910s.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
