Austrian Slang: How To Say "Bullshit" Like A Local

If you're looking to express doubt or call out a lie, you might want to know how to say bullshit in Austrian. While the English word bullshit has been borrowed into German, there are a few other ways to express the same sentiment. For instance, you could say “Quatsch!”, “Blödsinn!”, or “Schwachsinn!”, which are milder and more polite expressions. Alternatively, you could use phrases like “Bockmist” or “Das ist ja mal wieder totaler Bockmist,” which translate to something like nonsense or that's total nonsense. If you're feeling a bit more daring, you might opt for “Stierscheiße,” which is a bit more absurd and humorous. However, be aware that this phrase may sound strange to native German speakers.

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'Quatsch'

"Quatsch" is a German word that is used colloquially in many different ways and is the equivalent of saying "bullshit" in Austrian. It is used to describe silly speech, such as that of a child, or during a gossip session with friends. The word is derived from the verb "quatschen", which means "to talk nonsense". It likely originated in the 16th century as a word that mimics the sound of tramping through soft or mushy dirt with exceptional force.

"Quatsch" can be used to describe meaningless conversation, silly and false things that some people say, or something that is not worth one's time or attention. It can also refer to something that the listener finds to be wrong, unreasonable, or simply stupid. For example, "Du erzählst immer Quatsch" translates to "you are always narrating silliness".

In Austria, you might also hear the phrase "Quatsch mit Soße!", which means "nonsense with sauce!". This phrase is used to describe something extremely ridiculous. Another example is "Das ist doch völliger Quatsch!", which means "that's absolute nonsense!".

While not directly related to the word "Quatsch", it is worth noting that Austrian German has a variety of unique phrases and idioms. For instance, the phrase "to pull the butt card" is an idiom that means "are you crazy?" in Austrian. Additionally, the word "Spinnen" (spiders) is used figuratively to invoke annoyance and irritation, similar to the English phrase "I think I'm going crazy".

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'Blödsinn'

Blödsinn is the Austrian equivalent of the English word 'bullshit'. The word is used to describe something that is not true or is nonsense. For example, if someone is telling a lie, you might say that they are talking Blödsinn. Similarly, if you read a news article that is full of false information, you might describe it as Blödsinn.

The word Blödsinn can also be used more generally to describe something that is silly or ridiculous. For instance, if someone plays a practical joke on you, you might laugh and call it Blödsinn. Or, if you see a funny meme online, you could describe it as Blödsinn to your friends.

The expression carries a similar tone to 'bullshit' and can be used in a variety of contexts to convey disbelief, disagreement, or amusement. It is a versatile word that can be applied to a range of situations where something is not taken seriously or is seen as absurd.

In Austrian culture, the word Blödsinn is commonly understood and recognized as a part of everyday language. It is considered a casual term and may be used in social settings among friends or family. However, as with the English equivalent, it is important to use the term appropriately and avoid any disrespectful or offensive connotations.

Understanding the nuances of the Austrian language, including words like Blödsinn, can provide valuable insight into the local culture and help facilitate effective communication when visiting or interacting with Austrian people.

'Schwachsinn'

The word "bullshit" in Austrian German is "Schwachsinn". This is a masculine noun and its spelling and the article preceding it can change depending on whether it is in the nominative, accusative, genitive, or dative case. For example, in the nominative case, it would be "der Schwachsinn", but in the accusative, it would be "den Schwachsinn".

The word "Schwachsinn" is used to express disbelief or disagreement and can be translated as "nonsense", "rubbish", or "stupid". For instance, the sentence "Der Plan ist doch Schwachsinn!" translates to "The plan is stupid!". Here, the speaker is expressing their disagreement with the plan, implying that it is foolish or nonsensical.

When using "Schwachsinn", it is important to consider the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. While it can be used to convey a strong sentiment, it may be considered impolite or offensive in certain situations, especially in formal settings or with people you do not know well.

Additionally, as with any language, the usage and connotations of "Schwachsinn" may vary across different regions and generations in Austria. It is always a good idea to be mindful of the cultural context and the tone of your conversation when using slang or informal expressions.

'Bockmist'

"Bockmist" is a German word that means "nonsense", "rubbish", "foolishness", or "hogwash". It is a masculine noun and is used to refer to something that is untrue or does not make sense. For example, one might say, "That's complete bockmist!" or "Don't give me that bockmist!".

The word is also used in Austrian German and is considered a mild expletive, similar to "bullshit" in English. It is often used to express frustration, disbelief, or disagreement. For instance, if someone is telling a story that you think is ridiculous, you might interject with "Bockmist!".

In German, the spelling of a word and the article preceding it can change depending on whether it is in the nominative, accusative, genitive, or dative case. Here are some examples of how "bockmist" can be used in different cases:

• Nominative: "Der Bockmist, den sie reden, ist lächerlich." (The nonsense they're talking is ridiculous.)
• Accusative: "Ich habe ihren Bockmist nicht geglaubt." (I didn't believe her rubbish.)
• Genitive: "Er ist bekannt für seinen Bockmist." (He is known for his foolishness.)
• Dative: "Ich habe kein Bockmist für dich." (I have no hogwash for you.)

So, if you're looking to express your disbelief or frustration in Austrian German, "Bockmist!" might be the word you're looking for.

'Stierscheiße'

Stierscheiße is an Austrian term that translates to "bullshit" in English. While the term "bullshit" is widely recognized and used as a curse word in the English-speaking world, Stierscheiße is the Austrian equivalent and carries a similar connotation.

The word "Stier" translates to "bull" in English, and when combined with "Scheiße," which means "shit," it forms the phrase that conveys the idea of nonsense, lies, or exaggeration, similar to its English counterpart.

In Austrian culture, the term Stierscheiße is considered vulgar and is primarily used in informal settings. It is an expression of strong disbelief, frustration, or contempt. Austrians might use this word to emphasize their disagreement with something or to describe a situation that is unacceptable or ridiculous.

It is worth noting that, similar to other curse words, the usage and perception of Stierscheiße can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. While it may be considered offensive or inappropriate in formal settings or when used towards someone of higher authority or respect, it can also be used casually among friends or peers to express strong emotions or emphasize a point.

Understanding the cultural nuances and the potential impact of using Stierscheiße or any other vulgar language is essential when interacting with Austrians. While it may be a common expression, it should be used judiciously to avoid causing offense or creating a negative impression.

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