bolshy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bolshy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is assertive, confrontational, or difficult to deal with, often in a cheeky or rebellious manner. Example: "Her bolshy attitude during the meeting surprised everyone, as she was usually quite reserved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even in a watered-down version, the bill will struggle to get through the House of Lords where Labour does not have a majority and the peers are bolshy.

The Economist

"They pursue it though, playing one section over and over in a loop, varying the dynamic from pin drop quiet to aggressive and bolshy.

Independent

He scrolls through each of them once more: Debra bolshy, Kate boring, robotic, no personality, Yasmina already has a business, why would she leave that?

The Guardian

Woodley received a Golden Globe nomination a few years back for The Descendants, in which she played George Clooney's bruised, bolshy older daughter, who breaks to him the news of her mother's infidelity.

The Guardian - Film

She had been a friendly, bolshy and academically successful teenager, who loved watching M*A*S*H and wearing the tartan shorts beloved of her favourite band, the Bay City Rollers.

The Guardian

The small, bolshy faction the resigned ministers belong to lacks the power to swing any no-confidence vote.And, as Mr Thaksin bluntly puts it, the "stupid" protesters are forgetting how, just a year ago, the votes of 19m Thais gave him a sweeping re-election victory.

The Economist

It would be a catastrophic geostrategic failure if Europe and the West were to turn away Turkey, the exemplar of Muslim democracy, because of a small, bolshy Mediterranean island.

The Economist

A feeling that Mr Blair has neglected the Commons, and is in danger of getting Labour's "central narrative" wrong, explains why one bolshy backbencher, Andrew MacKinlay, has now challenged Clive Soley, an arguably too-obedient former probation officer, for the chairmanship of the parliamentary party.

The Economist

Alberta's politicians are becoming increasingly bolshy as their economic muscle grows.And Ontario?

The Economist

No law or regulation will make a bolshy English 15-year-old any more "broadly Christian" than he/she chooses to be; and in all probability, no charter will make a French child raised by pious Algerian or Turkish parents anything other than a God-fearing, fast-observing Muslim.

The Economist

His main innovation was to motivate the airline's downtrodden and bolshy workforce by giving them incentives based on such factors as flight punctuality.The collapse of United marks the failure of one of the highest-profile employee-owned companies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bolshy" to describe someone who is assertively rebellious or defiant, often in a way that is considered cheeky or spirited, especially in British English.

Common error

While "bolshy" is a vivid and descriptive term, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral word like "assertive" or "defiant" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "bolshy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals or groups exhibiting assertive, defiant, or rebellious behavior. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bolshy" is an adjective predominantly used in British English to describe someone who is assertively rebellious or defiant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it adds a vivid and descriptive touch to writing, it's best to avoid using "bolshy" in highly formal or professional settings. Alternatives like "defiant", "assertive", or "rebellious" may be more appropriate in those instances. The term effectively conveys spirited defiance with a cheeky undertone, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, as long as it is applied appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroppy

Similar to "bolshy", especially in British English, indicating bad temper and uncooperative behavior.

defiant

Implies a direct resistance to authority or expectations, similar to "bolshy" but less cheeky.

rebellious

Suggests a broader rejection of societal norms or rules, whereas "bolshy" often relates to more immediate or situational defiance.

assertive

Focuses on confidently stating one's needs or opinions, lacking the negative connotation sometimes associated with "bolshy".

argumentative

Highlights a tendency to engage in arguments or debates, lacking the specific nuance of rebellious assertiveness.

insubordinate

Specifically denotes a refusal to obey orders or respect authority, a more formal term.

aggressive

Implies a more forceful and potentially hostile approach than "bolshy", which can have a playful undertone.

obstreperous

Suggests noisiness and resistance to control, more formal and intense than "bolshy".

uncooperative

Highlights a refusal to work with others, whereas "bolshy" emphasizes a more active form of resistance.

difficult

A general term for someone hard to deal with, missing the assertiveness implied by "bolshy".

FAQs

How can I use "bolshy" in a sentence?

You can use "bolshy" to describe someone who is assertive and defiant. For example, "The "bolshy teenager" refused to follow the rules."

What's a good alternative to "bolshy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "defiant", "assertive", or "rebellious".

Is "bolshy" appropriate for formal writing?

While "bolshy" is widely used, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using words like "assertive" or "defiant".

What does "bolshy" mean?

"Bolshy" is a term, primarily used in British English, to describe someone who is aggressively self-assertive or rebellious.