bull-thrower

9.9

A person who says things in a direct, often rude way and does not listen

noun
/bʊlˈθroʊər/

Offensive

: bravucón (ofensivo, informal)

The new manager has a reputation as a bull-thrower who always speaks his mind, regardless of others' opinions.

Examples

Despite her expertise, many in the team found her to be a bull-thrower who dominated every meeting.
You don't have to be a bull-thrower to make your point; sometimes quiet confidence is more effective.
She is quite the bull-thrower during meetings.
I can't believe how much of a bull-thrower he is!
The debate became heated when he turned into a bull-thrower, sharing his opinions without considering others' feelings.
At the conference, she was labeled a bull-thrower for her candid remarks and willingness to challenge the speakers.
During the discussion, his role as a bull-thrower was evident as he interrupted frequently to assert his views.

Synonyms

blowhard

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

22 8.2

A person who talks too much and brags about themselves

is less self praising and more aggressively blunt in discussion

yeller

vsbull-thrower

9 8.2

A person who shouts loudly to get attention

tends to be more aggressive in wording and longer in speech

gadfly

vsbull-thrower

4 8.4

A person who often annoys others by pointing out problems or asking hard questions

is more blunt and longwinded in frontal outspoken attacks

wrangler

vsbull-thrower

Informal

3 8.1

A person who argues loudly about small unimportant things

is more blunt and outspoken across wider discussions rather than petty fights

shouter

vsbull-thrower

2 3.9

A person who speaks very loudly to be heard

is more blunt and often speaks at length rather than just loudly

ranter

vsbull-thrower

Informal

1 7.8

A person who speaks loudly and angrily and complains a lot

is similarly forceful but more blunt and uncontrolled in speech

flamer

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

1 8.9

A person who posts angry, insulting messages online

is more generally outspoken in person and often talks at length

keyboard warrior

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

1 7.3

A person who posts angry or attacking comments online without acting in real life

is similar in aggression but not limited to online anonymity

fire-eater

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

1 8.8

A person who speaks angrily and likes to start political arguments

is similarly aggressive but speaks more bluntly and at length

flayer

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

1 8.6

A person who attacks someone strongly in speech or writing

is more about blunt outspoken talk rather than focused harsh critique

controversialist

vsbull-thrower

1 9.9

A person who often argues about public or political issues

is more blunt and less focused on formal debate tactics

counterpuncher

vsbull-thrower

1 8.0

A person who answers attacks or criticism quickly and strongly

is more about prolonged blunt speech rather than quick measured replies

haranguer

vsbull-thrower

9.9

A person who gives loud, angry speeches to a crowd

is similarly forceful but more blunt and often talks without restraint

fire-breather

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

8.0

A person who says things that make people angry or afraid

is equally provocative but also blunt and often longwinded in discussion

tub-thumper

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

9.8

A person who shouts about a cause to get people to agree

is more bluntly outspoken and often dominates conversations without restraint

blusterer

vsbull-thrower

9.0

A person who speaks loudly and brags, often saying things they should not

is less boastful and more bluntly outspoken without restraint

talk jockey

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

9.1

A person who speaks too much and stops other people from speaking

shares excessive speech but is more bluntly aggressive and confrontational

quarreller

vsbull-thrower

Archaic

6.7

A person who often argues angrily with others

is more openly blunt and can speak at greater length without restraint

jouster

vsbull-thrower

Literature

8.4

A person who argues strongly in debates or politics

is more one sided and bluntly outspoken rather than competitive skillful

confronter

vsbull-thrower

8.0

A person who faces or challenges someone directly

is similar but speaks more at length and with bluntness

raver

vsbull-thrower

Archaic

8.3

A person who shouts in a violent or angry way when talking

is similarly loud but more bluntly outspoken and often longwinded

line-shooter

vsbull-thrower

Offensive

9.9

A person who brags a lot and tells stories that are not true

is less boastful and more bluntly aggressive and outspoken

Antonyms

diplomat

49 4.4

A person who helps people or groups agree by dealing carefully with them

peacemaker

23 3.7

A person who helps end arguments and makes people agree

How Outspoken

bull-thrower

Offensive

9.9

loudmouth

Offensive

21 6.7

bluntness

6 4.8

quiet one

4 5.3

Surface Forms

bull-thrower singular

bull-throwers plural

Morphology

bull-thrower = bull + thrower (semi-transparent) = bull + throw + er

The components 'bull' and 'thrower' are form-transparent, but the combined slang/metaphorical meaning ('aggressively blunt/outspoken person') is figurative and not directly derivable by all learners.

Etymology

Bull-thrower comes from bull, the strong, forceful animal often used to show power, and thrower, meaning 'one who throws'. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone 'throwing a bull' into a conversation—making loud, forceful remarks—so it describes a person who speaks bluntly and without restraint.