# balls

/ˈbɔɫz/ (US) · /bˈɔːlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/balls
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. testicles

noun · CEFR C1 · Vulgar · Slang

a vulgar word for a man's testicles.

For teachers: a vulgar anatomical reference to the testicles.

- He was doubled over in pain after getting hit in the balls.
- The athlete wore a protective cup to prevent any serious injury to his balls during the contact sport.

### 3. courage

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Vulgar

the courage or confidence to do something difficult or dangerous.

For teachers: a metaphorical use denoting bravery, audacity, or strength of character.

- It took a lot of balls to tell the boss that he was wrong.
- The junior analyst showed real balls by challenging the CEO's strategy during the annual general meeting.

### 4. nonsense

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Vulgar · Slang

something that is stupid, untrue, or complete nonsense.

For teachers: used to dismiss a statement as false, absurd, or worthless.

- Don't listen to him; he's talking absolute balls.
- The politician's explanation for the missing funds was dismissed by the press as complete and utter balls.

### 5. a mistake

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal · Vulgar

a situation where something has been done very badly or ruined.

For teachers: a botched job or a significant error; often used in the phrase 'a complete balls of something'.

- I made a real balls of that exam because I didn't study enough.
- The contractor made a total balls of the kitchen renovation, leaving the plumbing disconnected and the tiles uneven.

### 6. to mess up

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal · Vulgar

to ruin something or do it very badly.

For teachers: to bungle or botch a task; usually used as the phrasal verb 'balls up'.

- Try not to balls it up this time; we only have one chance.
- If the marketing team balls up this launch, the company stands to lose millions in potential revenue.

### 7. very

adverb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Vulgar

used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' to make an adjective stronger.

For teachers: an intensifier used before adjectives to indicate a high degree.

- It is balls out cold today, so make sure you wear a hat.
- The engine was running balls out as they tried to reach the finish line before the storm broke.

## Examples

- It took a lot of balls to say that to the boss.
- Everyone knew the plan was dangerous, but he had the balls to try it anyway.
- While his critics called it reckless, his supporters admired the sheer balls it took to challenge the industry's most powerful figures in such a public forum.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.