bollocks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium to High (in informal British contexts); Low (in general American contexts).Vulgar; Very Informal; Taboo in polite/formal company.
Quick answer
What does “bollocks” mean?
Testicles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Testicles; also used as a vulgar interjection to express strong disbelief, dismissal, or frustration.
Can refer to nonsense, rubbish, or something done poorly; also used positively ("the dog's bollocks") to mean the best of something. As a verb, to bollocks something up means to ruin or mismanage it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily British/Irish. In American English, it is known but rarely used, except by those exposed to UK media. The American equivalent for 'nonsense' is 'bullshit'.
Connotations
In the UK, it's a common, strong swear word. In the US, it sounds distinctly British and its taboo force may be less immediately felt, though understood.
Frequency
Very frequent in UK informal speech. Infrequent in US speech, mostly in niche contexts or quoting UK sources.
Grammar
How to Use “bollocks” in a Sentence
That's [DET] bollocksto talk bollocks (about)to bollocks [STH] upa load of bollocksVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bollocks” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I've completely bollocksed up the presentation slides.
- Don't let him near the controls, he'll bollocks everything.
American English
- He bollocksed the deal with his rude comments. (Used only by those familiar with UK slang)
adverb
British English
- It went bollocks wrong after the first round.
- Rare, but used for intensification.
American English
- Virtually never used.
adjective
British English
- That's a bollocks idea from start to finish.
- The whole situation is bollocks.
American English
- Rarely used adjectivally in AmE.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in very informal, closed settings among close colleagues.
Academic
Unacceptable in written or spoken discourse.
Everyday
Common in casual UK speech among friends; used for emphasis or humour.
Technical
Not used in technical senses.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bollocks”
- Spelling: 'ballocks' is a rare variant. 'Bollocks' is standard.
- Using it in formal writing or with strangers.
- Overusing it in American contexts where it sounds affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered a strong swear word/vulgarism in UK English and should be avoided in formal, polite, or professional contexts.
Yes, in the ironic idiom 'the dog's bollocks', it means something excellent or the best of its kind. This is a notable exception.
Rarely. It is perceived as a Britishism. Americans are more likely to use 'bullshit' for nonsense or 'balls' for testicles.
'Bollocks' is primarily a noun (for nonsense/testicles) or an exclamation. 'A bollocking' (noun) is a severe telling-off or reprimand.
Testicles.
Bollocks is usually vulgar; very informal; taboo in polite/formal company. in register.
Bollocks: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒləks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːləks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the dog's bollocks (excellent)”
- “a load of old bollocks (nonsense)”
- “bollocks to that! (dismissal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bull (like in 'bullshit') with LOCKs on its horns. Bull-LOCKS = BOLLOCKS, another strong word for nonsense.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS IDEAS ARE USELESS BODY PARTS (testicles). EXCELLENCE IS THE BEST BODY PART (dog's bollocks).
Practice
Quiz
In British slang, what does 'the dog's bollocks' mean?