buttload
mediuminformal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A very large, often hyperbolic, quantity of something, usually physical objects.
Used informally to emphasize an excessive or impressive amount. Originally derived from a unit of volume (a 'butt' is a large cask for wine/ale), but now completely decoupled from that measurement in common usage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in a hyperbolic, intensifying sense. While historically a unit of measurement, modern speakers are almost never referring to an actual butt (cask). Often considered mildly vulgar due to the homophone 'butt' (buttocks).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is significantly more common and entrenched in American English. In British English, similar hyperbolic terms like 'shedload' or 'shitload' might be more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries the same informal, emphatic connotation. The potential for a vulgar interpretation via 'butt' is slightly stronger in AmE.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE informal speech; low to medium frequency in BrE, where it may be perceived as an Americanism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject/There] + [verb] + a buttload of + [uncountable noun/plural noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(There's) a whole buttload of...”
- “Cost a buttload”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly inappropriate except in very casual, non-client-facing internal communication.
Academic
Completely inappropriate in formal writing or presentations.
Everyday
Common in casual spoken English among friends, family, or peers.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a buttload of homework tonight.
- He made a buttload of money from that sale.
- Moving house generated a buttload of cardboard boxes for recycling.
- The software update fixed a buttload of annoying bugs.
- Despite the initial excitement, the new policy has created a buttload of bureaucratic red tape.
- She's dealing with a buttload of emotional baggage from her previous relationship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a large wine barrel (a 'butt') so full it's about to burst. Now imagine that barrel is filled with whatever you have 'a buttload of'—it's a comically excessive image.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE/VOLUME (specifically, an excessively large, cumbersome container).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation like "груз ягодиц". It's not related to body parts. The closest conceptual equivalents are informal phrases like "уйма", "куча", "тьма", "пропасть" или более грубо "хренова туча".
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'butload' or 'butt load' (though the latter is sometimes seen). Confusing it with 'boatload', which is similar but slightly less informal. Using it in a formal context.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'buttload' be MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a classic swear word, but it is considered informal, mildly vulgar, and potentially offensive to some due to its association with 'butt' (buttocks). Use with caution in polite company.
They are near-synonyms meaning 'a large amount'. 'Boatload' is slightly less informal and lacks the potential vulgar connotation of 'butt'. 'Buttload' often implies a more overwhelming or cumbersome quantity.
Only in very informal writing like text messages, social media posts, or casual emails between close acquaintances. It is unsuitable for any formal, academic, or professional writing.
It originates from 'butt', an old unit of volume for wine and ale, equivalent to roughly 126 imperial gallons (UK) or 477 litres. A 'butt-load' was literally the contents of such a cask. The modern usage is a humorous exaggeration based on this large, but largely forgotten, measurement.