b and s
LowInformal, Slang, Potentially Vulgar
Definition
Meaning
An abbreviation for 'bullshit', used as a noun to refer to nonsense, lies, or exaggerated talk.
Can also function as a verb meaning to deceive or talk nonsense to someone. Used informally to express disbelief, dismissal, or to call out dishonesty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in spoken English. The abbreviation softens the vulgarity of the full term but retains its core dismissive or critical meaning. Context heavily influences whether it is seen as mildly humorous or offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Understood in both varieties, but the full form 'bullshit' is more common in American English. The abbreviated 'B.S.' (with periods) is a more standard written form in AmE.
Connotations
In both, it carries negative connotations of deception or worthlessness. In the UK, it might be used with a slightly more ironic or humorous tone in some contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In the UK, synonyms like 'rubbish', 'nonsense', or 'codswallop' are often preferred in equivalent informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is b and sto call b and s on [object]to [verb] b and sVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't give me that b and s.”
- “I call b and s on that claim.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoided in formal communication. May be used informally among colleagues to dismiss an unrealistic proposal or report. e.g., 'The sales projections are pure b and s.'
Academic
Highly inappropriate in formal writing or discourse. Might be used very informally among students to criticise a weak argument.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation among friends to express disbelief or dismiss an idea. e.g., 'His excuse was total b and s.'
Technical
Not used in technical documentation. Could be used colloquially by professionals to label a flawed theory or misleading data.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's just b and s-ing to get out of trouble.
- Don't try to b and s me, I know the truth.
American English
- He's totally B.S.ing about his qualifications.
- Politicians just B.S. during debates.
adverb
British English
- He talked b and s for an hour.
American English
- He spoke B.S. the entire meeting.
adjective
British English
- That's a b and s argument.
- He gave some b and s reason for being late.
American English
- It was a B.S. excuse.
- She's tired of his B.S. stories.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I think his story is b and s.
- She said it was b and s.
- The advertisement was full of b and s claims.
- I can't believe he tried to b and s his way through the interview.
- The minister's evasive answers were dismissed by journalists as political b and s.
- He has a remarkable talent for detecting and calling out intellectual b and s.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'B' for 'Bad' information and 'S' for 'Story' – a 'Bad Story' is essentially 'b and s'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS WORTHLESS MATERIAL (rubbish, waste).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'бык и дерьмо'. The equivalent informal dismissive phrases would be 'чушь', 'ерунда', or 'бред'.
- The abbreviation does not correspond to common Russian initials.
Common Mistakes
- Writing it as 'band s' without spaces.
- Using it in formal writing or with people you don't know well.
- Confusing it with the academic degree 'BS' (Bachelor of Science).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'b and s' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a euphemistic abbreviation for a swear word ('bullshit'). It is informal and can be considered mildly vulgar or impolite, especially in formal or mixed company, but is less strong than the full term.
Informally, as 'b and s' (lowercase, with spaces). In more standard abbreviated form, especially in American English, it is often written as 'B.S.' or 'BS' (with or without periods).
No. It is far too informal and colloquial for any kind of academic writing. Use formal alternatives like 'fallacious', 'specious', 'unsubstantiated', or simply 'incorrect'.
'B and s' is more emotionally charged and implies intentional deception or a more contemptible quality. 'Nonsense' is milder, more neutral, and can refer to something simply silly or illogical without the strong connotation of lying.