bullspeak
See also: bull-speak
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editVerb
editbullspeak (third-person singular simple present bullspeaks, present participle bullspeaking, simple past bullspoke, past participle bullspoken)
- To talk nonsense or boastful lies.
- 1629, Richard Brome, The Northern Lass, act 2, scene 3:
- He is doubtful, but yet he is sure he knows him. What a bulfinch is this! Sure, ’tis his language they call bull-speaking.
- 2010 August 10, “New Mid Staffs nurse director vows never again”, in Nursing Times[1]:
- If this new Nursing Director gets plenty more staff ‘on the floor’ where it counts then I’ll give him credit - however if he turns out like so many of the other Clipboard Toting, CV Building, Corporate Bullspeaking NHS Weasels then I'll expect him to be booted asap.
- 2011, Darrell Bain, chapter 2, in Space Trails:
- Never get up in public and try bullspeaking your way through something you aren't sure of.
Synonyms
editNoun
editbullspeak (uncountable)
- Nonsense; false or exaggerated statements.
- 2018, Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Shadowrun Legends: Aftershocks:
- You can cut the corp bullspeak, Ms. Serra, there's really no reason for it. After all, we're old friends, you and I.
- 2019 August 3, chris_m, “Phrases that annoy you”, in MoneySavingExpert Forums[2]:
- Oh yes, one thing that I really like about having retired is that I'm no longer subjected to the latest management bullspeak
Synonyms
edit- bulldust, bullshit, malarkey; see also Thesaurus:nonsense