a load of dung

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a load of dung" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large amount of something worthless or unappealing. For example: "That movie was a load of dung—I regret spending money for a ticket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Apart from work for some colleagues as extras, the hiring of cows, goats and donkeys - as well as providing a load of dung - will no doubt bring some rewards for local farmers.

The Guardian

My reaction to the GOP's $7 million exercise in Monday-morning quarterbacking is this: What a load of dung.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They don't give a heap load of dung what you do with "Bee Movie", either.

TechCrunch

What a load of baloney.

Independent

A load of cobblers".

The Guardian - Arts

A load of horse manure.

The New Yorker

Back in the 1990s Ofili's dung somehow became a touchstone for all that was repulsive about the YBAs, and in 1998 (the same year he won the Turner prize) someone dumped a load of manure in front of the Sensation exhibition to prove that modern art was bullshit.

The Guardian - Arts

"What a load of rubbish.

BBC

A load of rubbish.

BBC

Start a load of laundry.

WikiHow

What a load of rot!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a load of dung" when you want to express strong disapproval or disbelief in a colorful and slightly crude way. It's more impactful than simply saying something is "bad" or "wrong".

Common error

Avoid using "a load of dung" in formal writing or professional settings. While expressive, it can come across as unprofessional. Opt for milder alternatives like "unfounded claims" or "misinformation" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load of dung" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or direct object. It serves to characterize something as utterly worthless or nonsensical, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a load of dung" is an informal idiom used to express strong disbelief or disapproval, essentially meaning something is worthless or nonsensical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct but relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its crude connotation makes it unsuitable for formal settings. Consider alternatives like "a load of rubbish" or "nonsense" for more neutral communication. While impactful, its use should be carefully considered based on the audience and context to avoid appearing unprofessional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a load of rubbish

Replaces "dung" with "rubbish", maintaining the sense of worthlessness.

a pile of garbage

Substitutes "load of dung" with "pile of garbage", emphasizing worthlessness and messiness.

a bunch of nonsense

Replaces the concrete image of "dung" with the abstract concept of "nonsense".

a pack of lies

Shifts the focus to dishonesty, suggesting the statement is intentionally misleading.

a crock of baloney

Offers a more lighthearted and informal alternative, still conveying disbelief.

a waste of time

Focuses on the unproductive nature of the subject at hand.

utter tripe

Uses a less common term, "tripe", to convey the idea of something being low quality and unappealing.

pure bunkum

A slightly old-fashioned term for nonsense, adding a touch of vintage disapproval.

complete hogwash

Another informal expression implying something is ridiculous or untrue.

total poppycock

A humorous and emphatic way to dismiss something as absurd.

FAQs

What does "a load of dung" mean?

The phrase "a load of dung" is an idiom that means a large amount of something considered worthless, nonsensical, or untrue. It's a more colorful way of saying something is rubbish or nonsense.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a load of dung"?

The phrase "a load of dung" is best used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It should be avoided in professional or formal contexts where a more polite or neutral tone is expected.

What can I say instead of "a load of dung"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a load of rubbish", "a pile of garbage", or "nonsense". These alternatives convey a similar meaning without being as crude.

Is "a load of dung" considered vulgar?

While not overtly vulgar, "a load of dung" is a somewhat crude expression. Consider your audience and the setting before using it. In more sensitive or formal situations, it's best to opt for a more polite alternative.