Bullshitted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคฅ
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bullshitted

[หˆbสŠlสƒษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal speech

Bullshitted refers to the act of speaking insincerely or without regard for truth, often to impress others or avoid giving a straight answer. It implies a lack of depth or honesty in communication, frequently used in a casual or derogatory manner.

Synonyms

bluffed, exaggerated, faked, fibbed, lied.

Examples of usage

  • He bullshitted his way through the interview.
  • Stop bullshitting and just tell me the truth.
  • She always bullshits about her accomplishments.
  • I can't believe he bullshitted that story.
  • They bullshitted their answers on the exam.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase became widely recognized through its use in films and television, often to depict characters trying to manipulate or deceive.
  • In the 2000s, numerous comedians incorporated it into their routines, further embedding it into everyday language.
  • Notable works, including books and podcasts, have discussed the culture of 'bullshitting' in politics and media.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people engage in this behavior when they feel uncertain or want to create a favorable impression on others.
  • It can serve as a defense mechanism against feelings of inadequacy, allowing individuals to navigate social situations more comfortably.
  • There are psychological theories explaining how this behavior reflects deeper insecurities or a desire for social acceptance.

Literature

  • Writers like Harry Frankfurt have explored the concept in philosophical essays, distinguishing it from outright lying.
  • This theme appears in various literary works, highlighting the contrasts between truth and deception.
  • Notable novels often feature characters that use this style of communication, reflecting the complexities of human interactions.

Communication Studies

  • Scholars study this phenomenon in conversations, focusing on how language can obscure truth and reality.
  • In communicative contexts, this type of talk is often seen in political speeches, advertising, and persuasive language aimed at influencing listeners.
  • Analysis shows that this language can affect relationships, as it often leads to mistrust when discovered.

Origin of 'bullshitted'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the 20th-century slang, where 'bull' means something nonsensical or untruthful.
  • It gained popularity in American English, often related to casual conversation and used in various contexts of exaggeration.
  • The use of 'bull' in language has long roots in various cultures, where it denotes strength or dominance, paired with a term for waste reflects dishonesty.

The term 'bullshit' is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a combination of 'bull', a slang term for nonsense or exaggeration, and 'shit', which is vulgar language for feces. The use of 'bull' in this context implies that the spoken statement is untrue or exaggerated, akin to saying something is as worthless as excrement. The term is often associated with a casual or mocking attitude towards insincerity. Its usage has grown over the decades, particularly in informal speech, and it is frequently employed to criticize someoneโ€™s lack of candor. Various cultures have similar expressions to convey that someone is not being truthful, but 'bullshit' has become uniquely entrenched in English vernacular. As a derivation, 'bullshitted' reflects a past action of engaging in such indistinct or deceitful conversation.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,848, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.