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Bullshit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฉ
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bullshit

[หˆbสŠlสƒษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

offensive talk

Bullshit refers to nonsense or meaningless talk, especially that which is deceptive or misleading. The term is often used to express disdain towards statements that are seen as insincere or lacking in truth. It can also imply a level of incredulity towards someone's assertions or claims. In casual conversation, calling something 'bullshit' reflects strong disapproval and skepticism. The expression is commonly used in both informal and some formal contexts, often when someone believes that the truth is being obscured.

Synonyms

bunk, gibberish, lies, nonsense, rubbish.

Examples of usage

  • He was full of bullshit during the meeting.
  • Don't give me that bullshit; tell me the truth.
  • The politicianโ€™s speech was just a lot of bullshit.
Context #2 | Verb

to deceive

To bullshit means to speak or write insincerely and misleadingly, often with the intent to deceive. It can refer to both trivial and serious matters, emphasizing a lack of genuine truthfulness. This action implies a certain level of confidence in the presentation, even if the underlying information is false or exaggerated. People may use this term to describe the act of talking elaborately without saying anything of substance.

Synonyms

falsify, fib, lie, mislead.

Examples of usage

  • He bullshitted his way through the interview.
  • Stop bullshitting and get to the point.
  • She always bullshts when asked about her qualifications.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term gained popularity in the 1960s, often used in political discourse to criticize statements that lacked authenticity.
  • In 2006, a book titled 'On Bullshit' by philosopher Harry Frankfurt explored the concept of bullshit as distinct from lying.
  • Various comedic shows and films have used the term to emphasize absurdity or nonsensical behavior in characters.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who frequently use this term may have a lower tolerance for dishonesty and inauthenticity.
  • This expression can serve as a social signal, helping individuals to bond over shared disdain for trivial or misleading language.
  • Studies suggest that recognizing bullshit in conversation may involve intuition rather than strict reasoning.

Literature

  • Authors like Mark Twain and Kurt Vonnegut have used this concept in their works to critique society's absurdities.
  • The term is often found in literary discussions to describe exaggeration or falsehood in narrative techniques.
  • In philosophical discussions, it raises questions about truth, meaning, and the intention behind communication.

Sociolinguistics

  • The usage of this term varies significantly across cultures, often reflecting social tolerance for vulgarity and honesty.
  • It is prevalent in informal speech, suggesting an informal, perhaps rebellious attitude towards traditional language use.
  • In certain communities, the casual usage of this term serves as a linguistic barometer for trust and skepticism among speakers.

Origin of 'bullshit'

Main points about word origin

  • This term likely originated in the early 20th century, combining 'bull' (referring to a fool) with 'shit', a common vulgar expression.
  • In the early 1900s, it was used in American slang to describe deceptive or exaggerated talk.
  • The phrase 'bullshit artist' emerged to describe someone skillful in lying or exaggerating.

The term 'bullshit' combines 'bull,' which can refer derogatorily to something that is regarded as worthless or inflated, and 'shit,' which is a vulgar term for feces. The precise origins of the word are debated, but it is thought to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States, possibly gaining traction in the 1920s. It became popular in academic and countercultural discourse during the mid-20th century, especially in relation to philosophical discussions about language and meaning. The term has seen various uses in literature, journalism, and everyday speech, often employed to challenge the authenticity of statements in a colloquial manner.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,662, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.