Bullshitted: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

• ...
• 42845 shoddiest
• 42846 trammeling
• 42847 skedaddling
• 42848 bullshitted
• 42849 rogered
• 42850 mumbler
• 42851 spammed
• ...