Search
Select the dictionary language
to ruin or botch completely
British
used to dismiss something as false, absurd, or meaningless
British
What is the origin of the term "bollocks" and how is it used?
"Bollocks" is a British English vulgar slang term that dates back to the 14th century, originally meaning testicles. Over time, it developed a figurative sense to dismiss something as false, absurd, or meaningless, as if it were worthless or nonsensical. The term is used in informal, often confrontational or emphatic speech to reject statements, ideas, or claims. It is vulgar and offensive in formal contexts, though widely accepted in casual British English, often carrying humor or strong emphasis depending on tone.
used to annoyance, anger, or sudden frustration
British
What is the origin of the term "bollocks" and how is it used?
"Bollocks" is a British English slang term that dates back to the Middle Ages, originally meaning testicles. Over time, from at least the 17th century, it developed a figurative use as an exclamation expressing annoyance, anger, frustration, or disbelief. The term is used in informal, often emphatic speech, and can also appear in phrases like "full of bollocks" to call something nonsense. It is vulgar and offensive in formal settings, but widely accepted in casual conversation, media, and everyday British English.
