Why is bullshit called bullshit

Rather, bullshitters seek to convey a certain impression of themselves without being concerned about whether anything at all is true. They quietly change the rules governing their end of the conversation so that claims about truth and falsity are irrelevant. Liars at least acknowledge that it matters what is true. By virtue of this, Frankfurt writes, bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are.

Augustine and the spy novelist Eric Ambler, among others, to ask some of the preliminary questions—to define the nature of a thing recognized by all but understood by none. What is bullshit, after all? Frankfurt points out it is neither fish nor fowl. Those who produce it certainly aren't honest, but neither are they liars, given that the liar and the honest man are linked in their common, if not identical, regard for the truth.

Frankfurt's conclusion. Frankfurt's definition is one of those not-at-all-obvious insights that become blindingly obvious the moment they are expressed. Beautifully written, lucid, ironic and profound, it is a model of what philosophy can and should do. It is a small and highly provocative masterpiece, and I really don't think I am bullshitting you here. Tell me the truth! Stop bullshitting and tell me the truth.

First Known Use of bullshit Noun , in the meaning defined above Verb , in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1. Learn More About bullshit. Time Traveler for bullshit The first known use of bullshit was in See more words from the same year. Phrases Related to bullshit bullshit one's way. Statistics for bullshit Look-up Popularity. Style: MLA. English Language Learners Definition of bullshit Entry 1 of 2.

Pessimistic expression same shit different day attested by Shitload also shit-load for "a great many" is by Shitticism is Robert Frost's word for scatological writing. Piece of shit "contemptible person" is by Entries linking to bullshit bull n. Others are reading. Harper, D. Right up until Thomas Bilgram, a quirky Dane, called bullshit on that and saved dozens of dying, barley-filled libations, eventually reincarnating them into Mashed Up Craft Gin.

You crack down on all the super-engaging bullshit , and your profits go out the window. New Word List Word List. Save This Word!