bolshie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very Low FrequencyInformal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “bolshie” mean?
Deliberately uncooperative, obstructive, or defiant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Deliberately uncooperative, obstructive, or defiant; particularly of an attitude or behaviour that challenges authority.
Having or showing a deliberately combative, unhelpful, or rebellious attitude, often in a petty or obstructive way. The term can also refer to left-wing political beliefs, deriving from its original association with Bolsheviks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is almost exclusively British (and Commonwealth) English. It is very rare and largely unrecognised in American English.
Connotations
In British English, it is a familiar, informal term with a strong negative judgment. In American English, it would likely be misunderstood or interpreted only in a historical political context.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech and journalism; virtually non-existent in American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “bolshie” in a Sentence
be/get + bolshiebolshie + about + NOUN (issue, demands)bolshie + with + PERSON (manager, authority)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolshie” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The shop steward was being thoroughly bolshie about the new break times.
- She's got a bolshie streak that comes out under pressure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The bolshie stance of the supplier's negotiators is delaying the contract."
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or political science texts discussing British labour relations.
Everyday
"He got all bolshie when I asked him to clean his room."
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bolshie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bolshie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolshie”
- Using it in formal writing. Spelling it as 'bolshy' (a common variant). Using it in an American context where it will not be understood in its colloquial sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and carries a negative judgment. While not a slur, it can be dismissive and is best used cautiously, if at all, in sensitive contexts.
Both are British informal terms for being awkward or defiant. 'Bolshie' often implies a more organised, politically-edged defiance, while 'stroppy' suggests a more personal, bad-tempered stubbornness.
Rarely. It is almost always pejorative. However, in some contexts, it might be used with a tone of grudging admiration for someone standing up to authority, e.g., "You have to admire her bolshie refusal to back down."
Yes, 'bolshy' is a common variant spelling, especially in informal writing like journalism. Both 'bolshie' and 'bolshy' are correct.
Deliberately uncooperative, obstructive, or defiant.
Bolshie is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Bolshie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒlʃi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't get bolshie with me!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOLShevik soldier refusing orders — BOLShie = Behaving Obstructively, Like a Bolshevik.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL DISAGREEMENT IS POLITICAL REBELLION (petty defiance is metaphorically framed as a political uprising).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bolshie' MOST likely to be used appropriately?