tosh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low. Used primarily in UK English.Informal, colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “tosh” mean?
Nonsense, foolish or worthless talk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Nonsense, foolish or worthless talk; rubbish.
Can also be used as a verb meaning to criticize or dismiss something as nonsense, or as an adjective meaning nonsensical or foolish. In some UK regional dialects (West Midlands), it can mean to tidy up, but this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Overwhelmingly a British English word. It is extremely rare and likely misunderstood in American English.
Connotations
In UK English, it conveys informal, often slightly old-fashioned or brusque dismissal. It is less aggressive than 'bullshit' but more assertive than 'rubbish'.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Heard occasionally in UK speech, especially among older generations, but not common in formal contexts or among younger speakers in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “tosh” in a Sentence
That's (utter) tosh.to talk/spout/write toshto dismiss (something) as toshto tosh something up (regional, rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tosh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He just toshed my entire proposal in the meeting.
- Stop toshing about and get to the point.
American English
- (Rare/Unlikely) He dismissed it, saying it was all tosh.
adverb
British English
- (Not standardly used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- That's a completely tosh argument.
- He came out with some tosh idea about aliens.
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Considered unprofessional.
Academic
Not used. Pejorative and informal.
Everyday
Used occasionally in informal UK conversation to dismiss an opinion or statement.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tosh”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as a common verb (outside specific UK dialects).
- Americans using it and expecting to be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently rude, but it is dismissive and informal. It's milder than many swear words but stronger than simply saying 'I disagree'.
Almost never. An American hearing it would likely need context to understand it means 'nonsense'. They might confuse it with 'tush' or 'toss'.
Yes, but it's less common. As a verb, it means to criticize or dismiss something as nonsense (e.g., 'He toshed my idea'). In some West Midlands UK dialects, it can mean 'to tidy up'.
They are synonyms in their core meaning. 'Nonsense' is the most standard and neutral. 'Rubbish' is common UK informal. 'Tosh' is more colourful, slightly old-fashioned, and implies more active contempt for the foolishness.
Nonsense, foolish or worthless talk.
Tosh is usually informal, colloquial. in register.
Tosh: in British English it is pronounced /tɒʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “talk tosh”
- “a load of old tosh”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine tossing a piece of paper into a bin while saying 'TOSH!' – you're declaring it's rubbish.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS IDEAS ARE GARBAGE/WASTE (to be thrown away).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'tosh' be MOST appropriately used?