English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

bullshit

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈbʊɫˌʃɪt/ UK /bˈʊlʃɪt/ bull·shit UK spelling bullshits, bullshitted, bullshitting

  1. 01 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    n.nonsense or lies that someone says to impress you or hide the truth.

    n.untrue, exaggerated, or nonsensical assertions, often characterised by a complete lack of concern for the truth.

    Simple

    Don't listen to him; he's just telling you a load of bullshit.

    In context

    The politician's speech was dismissed as pure bullshit by critics who pointed out the glaring lack of verifiable data.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    n.something that is very unfair or annoying.

    n.an unfair, unreasonable, or frustrating situation or set of rules.

    Simple

    It is total bullshit that we have to work on a holiday without extra pay.

    In context

    The employees were tired of the corporate bullshit and the constant changes to their health insurance plans.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    v.to lie to someone or try to trick them by talking a lot.

    v.to deceive or mislead someone through lies or exaggerated talk. Often used transitively.

    Simple

    Stop trying to bullshit me; I know you weren't at home last night.

    In context

    He managed to bullshit his way through the interview despite having almost no experience in the field.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced SlangVulgarAmerican English

    v.to talk with friends about unimportant things just to pass the time.

    v.to engage in idle, casual conversation without a serious purpose.

    Simple

    We spent the whole afternoon just bullshitting on the porch.

    In context

    After the meeting, the team stayed behind for an hour just bullshitting about their weekend plans.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced SlangVulgar

    adj.describing something that is fake, unfair, or makes no sense.

    adj.characterised by absurdity, dishonesty, or a lack of validity.

    Simple

    That is a bullshit excuse and you know it.

    In context

    The committee rejected the proposal, calling the projected budget figures completely bullshit.


From bull + shit. Figurative use as a noun referring to useless or untrue information is attested from the 1910s.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated