bupkis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MidInformal, Colloquial, Slang
Quick answer
What does “bupkis” mean?
Nothing at all.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Nothing at all; zero; a worthless or trivial amount.
Used to express a complete lack of something, often result, benefit, or information; emphatic synonym for "nothing" with a connotation of dismissiveness or disappointment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American English term, derived from Yiddish. It is understood but rarely used spontaneously in British English, where 'zilch', 'naff all', or 'sod all' might be preferred.
Connotations
In American English, it often carries a humorous, slightly old-fashioned, or ethnic (Jewish-American) flavour. In British English, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in urban and Jewish-American contexts. Very low frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “bupkis” in a Sentence
[Subject] + get/earn/know + bupkis[Subject] + be + worth + bupkis[Subject] + do + bupkisVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly informal; 'The new marketing campaign earned us bupkis.'
Academic
Not appropriate for formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among American speakers: 'I asked for a raise and got bupkis.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bupkis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bupkis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bupkis”
- Using it as a plural countable noun (e.g., 'I have three bupkis'). It is a mass noun.
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Attempting to use it as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'The situation was very bupkis').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from Yiddish (באָבקעס, 'bobkes'), which itself derives from a Slavic word for animal droppings. It entered American English via Jewish immigrants.
Not inherently rude, but it is very informal and dismissive. It's more humorous or emphatic than vulgar.
No, it is strictly informal slang. Use 'nothing', 'zero', or 'no result' in formal contexts.
It is understood primarily due to American media, but it is not a native part of British slang. Brits would typically use 'zilch', 'naff all', or 'sod all' for similar effect.
Nothing at all.
Bupkis: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌp.kɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbəp.kɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not know bupkis about (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an empty cup (bup) that only has kisses (kis) written on it—symbolic of getting affection but nothing of real value.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOTHING IS A WORTHLESS OBJECT/QUANTITY.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'bupkis' correctly?