"Bullshit" is a foul language?

**Williamyh** · 22-Dec-2009, 04:38

Hi All,

I was wondering if saying "Bullshit" is a foul language? Any better word can instead of Bullshit if I want to express the same meaning?

**evanidus** · 22-Dec-2009, 05:25

Originally Posted by Williamyh

Hi All,

I was wondering if saying "Bullshit" is a foul language? Any better word can instead of Bullshit if I want to express the same meaning?

Erm... "Rubbish"? "nonsense"... "bullshit" is kind of offensive

**Linguist__** · 22-Dec-2009, 07:16

"Crap" has the same connotation as "bullshit" in that it is used to describe faecal matter. It's use if much less vulgar though.

Make sure if you wish to use such language you use it with the correct meaning. "Crap" can be used in more situations than "bullshit".

**Jimmy08** · 22-Dec-2009, 10:47

A lot of my friends tend to use the phrase, "What the f*ck?!"
That phrase is very common in Australia and I don't find it offensive unless a stranger keeps repeating it to my ears.

I don't think anyone uses the word "Bulls*it" anymore...

Commonly use phrases in Australia include:

"That's crap!" or "What the heck?!" or "Dam it!" or "Bloody hell!"

**Linguist__** · 22-Dec-2009, 10:54

Originally Posted by Jimmy08

A lot of my friends tend to use the phrase, "What the f*ck?!"
That phrase is very common in Australia and I don't find it offensive unless a stranger keeps repeating it to my ears.

Whenever I question whether a word is offensive/rude/vulgar or not, I ask myself the question, "Would I be shocked if my young child said this word/phrase?". If the answer is yes, then it is most likely offensive/rude/vulgar.

I understand that a newcomer to a language can't be sensitive to words like this, but it's how I do it.

**Jimmy08** · 22-Dec-2009, 11:30

Originally Posted by Linguist__

Whenever I question whether a word is offensive/rude/vulgar or not, I ask myself the question, "Would I be shocked if my young child said this word/phrase?". If the answer is yes, then it is most likely offensive/rude/vulgar.

I understand that a newcomer to a language can't be sensitive to words like this, but it's how I do it.

I agree... I wouldn't use the word/phrase in front of young children as well.

Guys tend to use the phrase/word to make them look/sound "tough"/masculine/macho. It depends who I converse with.

**Tdol** · 22-Dec-2009, 19:32

It's more of a rude-ish word than full-on swearing to me. It's also less likely to cause offence than shit on its own.

**Mehrgan** · 22-Dec-2009, 21:51

How about "bollocks" that's so commonly used by British speakers?

**gozuhair** · 24-Dec-2009, 13:09

i think we can use nonsense

Profesoressa · 23-Jan-2010, 19:25

You can omit the "shit" and just say "Bull!" or "That's bull!".

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