bollocking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+Informal, coarse, slang.
Quick answer
What does “bollocking” mean?
A severe scolding or reprimand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A severe scolding or reprimand.
A very angry or stern telling-off, often involving strong language and intense criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is predominantly British/Irish/Commonwealth slang. It is understood but very rarely used in American English, where terms like 'chewing out' or 'reprimand' are preferred.
Connotations
In the UK: strong, confrontational, but within certain contexts (e.g., male-dominated workplaces, football) can be almost ritualistic. In the US: would be seen as obscure and potentially confusing or excessively crude.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech; extremely rare in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “bollocking” in a Sentence
give [PERSON] a bollockingget a bollocking from [PERSON]be in for a bollockingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bollocking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The boss bollocked him for missing the deadline.
- I'm going to bollock the entire team if this happens again.
American English
- The coach reprimanded him harshly for missing practice.
- He got chewed out by his supervisor.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard.)
American English
- (Not applicable.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard; 'bollocking' is not used as a standard adjective.)
American English
- (Not applicable.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal, among colleagues, but highly inappropriate in formal meetings or with superiors/clients.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal settings among friends/family to describe a severe scolding.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bollocking”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bollocking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bollocking”
- Using it in formal writing. Using it with 'the' (e.g., 'I got the bollocking' is less idiomatic than 'I got a bollocking'). Confusing with the verb 'bollock' (to scold).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered coarse/vulgar slang due to its origin ('bollocks'). It should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional contexts.
It is extremely rare. An American listener would likely understand the gist from context but might find it oddly British or confusing. Terms like 'chewing out', 'bawling out', or 'reprimand' are standard.
A 'bollocking' is much stronger, angrier, and often involves shouting and crude language. A 'telling-off' can be mild or stern but lacks the vulgar intensity.
Yes, 'severe reprimand', 'dressing-down', 'tongue-lashing', or 'rollicking' (the latter is still informal but not vulgar).
A severe scolding or reprimand.
Bollocking is usually informal, coarse, slang. in register.
Bollocking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒl.ək.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑː.lək.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to give someone a right bollocking”
- “to be in for a bollocking”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a furious football manager shouting so hard his BOLLOCKS are shaking - he's giving the team a proper BOLLOCKING.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS PHYSICAL ASSAULT (verbal attack perceived as a physical beating).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bollocking' be LEAST appropriate?