but bollocks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but bollocks" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It can be used to express disbelief, dismissal, or to indicate that something is nonsense or untrue. Example: "I thought he was telling the truth, but bollocks, it was all a lie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But bollocks to that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some show artisans using skills it's taken centuries to perfect, but bollocks to them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Undeniably seductive bollocks, but bollocks nonetheless.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was very complimentary, but complete bollocks.

The Guardian - Arts

His devotees have a tendency to overstate its impact on his music – 1977's Dandy in the Underworld was another solid effort, but you'd never confuse it with Never Mind the Bollocks – but had he lived, who knows?

The Guardian - Music

Watching Louis can feel like he's snatching away our chance to moralise from the sofa, but I've got a sneaking suspicion many viewers will recognise the jokey way Aurelie responds to a nurse giving her a firm but fair bollocking on the deteriorating state of her health.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But in whose bollocks?

The Guardian - Sport

"But … Bah! Bollocks!" Easy for him to say.

The Guardian - Sport

It's all bollocks but it looks superb.

The Guardian - Music

Andrés Guardado had demanded eggs, bollocks, but few seemed to have them.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ukip are brilliant at it, it's bollocks but well done".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but bollocks" sparingly and be mindful of your audience, as it can be considered offensive in formal settings. This expression is best reserved for informal conversation and writing where a strong, dismissive tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "but bollocks" in professional emails, academic papers, or any situation where formality is required. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "but that's incorrect" or "but that's not accurate" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but bollocks" functions as a conjunction phrase used to introduce a statement of disagreement or contradiction. It combines the conjunction "but" with the slang term "bollocks" to express strong disbelief or dismissal, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but bollocks" is an informal British expression used to convey strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness in casual contexts. While "but bollocks" can be effective for emphasizing dismissal, its usage should be carefully considered due to its potentially offensive nature. Alternative phrases like "but nonsense" or "but that's not true" offer less abrasive ways to express the same sentiment. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its informal register. Remember to reserve the use of "but bollocks" for situations where its tone is appropriate and will not cause offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but nonsense

Replaces "bollocks" with a more polite term for nonsense, softening the expression.

but rubbish

Similar to "but nonsense", using "rubbish" provides a less offensive alternative.

but that's rubbish

Combines "that's not true" with a dismissive term, similar to "but bollocks" but slightly milder.

but that's a lie

Directly states that something is untrue, replacing the dismissive term with a factual declaration.

but that's not true

Another direct way to express that something is false, maintaining a straightforward tone.

but that's absurd

Emphasizes the ridiculousness of something, shifting the focus to the perceived absurdity.

but that's preposterous

Similar to "absurd", highlighting the outlandish nature of a statement.

but poppycock

Offers a more whimsical and old-fashioned term for nonsense, changing the register of the phrase.

but balderdash

Similar to "poppycock", "balderdash" is an antiquated term for nonsense, providing a humorous alternative.

but that's a load of hogwash

Uses the idiom "a load of hogwash" to express disbelief or dismissal, offering a colorful alternative.

FAQs

What does "but bollocks" mean?

"But bollocks" is a British slang expression used to express strong disagreement, disbelief, or to dismiss something as nonsense. It is considered informal and can be offensive in some contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "but bollocks"?

It is appropriate to use "but bollocks" in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or in creative writing where a strong, dismissive tone is desired. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "but bollocks"?

You can use alternatives like "but nonsense", "but rubbish", or "but that's not true", depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is "but bollocks" offensive?

Yes, "but bollocks" can be considered offensive, especially in formal or polite company. It's best to reserve this expression for casual settings with people who understand your sense of humor and won't be offended.