load of shit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "load of shit" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and vulgar.
It can be used to express disbelief or disdain towards something that is perceived as nonsense or untrue. Example: "His explanation for missing the deadline was just a load of shit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

What a load of shit".

The Guardian - Sport

He does talk a load of shit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It sounds like a load of shit.

The Guardian - Music

"The biggest load of shit you'll ever see.

The Guardian

"Well that's a load of shit for a start," she replied briskly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Because the whole country runs on coffee, caffeine and people talking a load of shit".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

He became hugely ambitious, in the sense of wanting to make shitloads of money and buy loads of shit.

The New Yorker

He was a massive alcoholic, and he decided to give us loads of shit and not help us out with money.

The Guardian - Music

"We did some gigs and me and Flinty charged all our room charges – porn, long-distance calls, loads of shit – to his room for a laugh.

The Guardian - Business

Those jokes "came out of anger about specific situations," she says, "where, not just me, but a lot of the women I knew, had to put up with loads of shit, usually in situations where men would get drunk together and they'd start picking on women.

The Guardian

"There was loads of shit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a less offensive alternative, like "load of rubbish" or "bunch of nonsense", when communicating with people who are unfamiliar with the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in professional or academic writing. Reserve it for casual conversation or informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "load of shit" functions as an idiomatic expression to express strong disbelief, contempt, or disagreement. As Ludwig confirms, it is a usable, though informal and vulgar, way to dismiss something as untrue or nonsensical. Many examples listed by Ludwig demonstrates this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "load of shit" is a common, albeit vulgar, idiom used to express strong disbelief or contempt. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct but inappropriate for formal contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, its use should be carefully considered due to its offensive nature. Alternatives like "bunch of nonsense" or "load of rubbish" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

load of rubbish

British English equivalent, implying something is of poor quality or untrue.

bunch of nonsense

Less vulgar alternative, suitable for a wider range of audiences.

crock of baloney

American English idiom, suggesting something is foolish or untrue.

pile of bunk

Similar to 'nonsense' but with a slightly stronger connotation of disbelief.

pack of lies

Specifically refers to a set of untruths or deceptions.

bunch of hogwash

Suggests something is overly sentimental or nonsensical.

piece of garbage

Emphasizes the worthlessness or poor quality of something.

utter tripe

Implies something is completely without value or sense.

complete fabrication

Highlights that something is invented or untrue.

total falsehood

Directly states that something is not true.

FAQs

What does the phrase "load of shit" mean?

The phrase "load of shit" is a vulgar expression used to express strong disbelief, disagreement, or contempt for something someone has said or done. It implies that something is completely untrue, nonsensical, or of very poor quality.

Is "load of shit" considered offensive?

Yes, "load of shit" is generally considered offensive due to its use of a vulgar word. It's best to avoid using it in formal situations or when speaking with people you don't know well. Consider using alternatives such as "load of rubbish" or "bunch of nonsense" in more polite contexts.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "load of shit"?

Some less offensive alternatives to "load of shit" include "bunch of nonsense", "load of rubbish", "pile of bunk", "crock of baloney", or simply saying something is untrue or unacceptable.

How can I use the phrase "load of shit" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase "load of shit" in a sentence to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "His excuse for being late was a "load of shit"." However, be mindful of your audience and the context, as it's a vulgar expression.