Is it a swear word?
Yes — Bullshit is considered a swear word, though its severity varies by context and region.
What does it mean?
A forceful term meaning lies, nonsense, or something fraudulent. "That's bullshit" is one of the most direct ways to call something false or unfair in English. It can also function as a verb ("don't bullshit me") and an adjective ("a bullshit excuse"). Despite its crude origin, it fills a linguistic niche that no polite word quite matches — the specific feeling that someone is lying and you're not going to tolerate it.
Is it offensive?
Strong. It's unmistakably profane and confrontational. Saying "that's bullshit" to someone's face is aggressive — you're essentially calling them a liar. The shortened "BS" exists as a softer alternative that everyone understands.
Can you say it at work?
"That's BS" is borderline acceptable in casual settings. The full word is unprofessional. "This metric is bullshit" said privately to a trusted colleague might fly; saying it in a meeting is a different story entirely.
Regional differences
Extremely common. "Bullshit" is the default word for calling out lies or unfairness. The phrase "I'm calling bullshit" has become a cultural staple. Penn & Teller even named a TV show after it.
Common but Brits also use "bollocks" in similar contexts. "Bullshit" sounds slightly more American. Both carry similar weight.
Very common. Australians use it interchangeably with "bullshit artist" (someone who habitually lies or exaggerates).
Safer alternatives
Examples
- “That's complete bullshit and you know it.”
- “Don't bullshit me — what really happened?”
- “I'm calling bullshit on that excuse.”