bullsheet response
- noun
- /ˈbʊlʃiːt rɪˈspɒns/
- Offensive
- Whenever management is confronted, they give a bullsheet response that dodges the real issues.
Examples
-
Tired of the bullsheet responses in meetings, she demanded a clear answer.
-
I could tell his explanation was just a bullsheet response to hide his mistake.
-
That was a complete bullsheet response to my question.
-
I can't believe he gave such a bullsheet response!
-
In response to my direct question, he provided a bullsheet response that had no relevance.
-
Frustrated by the bullsheet response from customer service, I called back to speak to a manager.
-
Her bullsheet response to the inquiry left everyone in the room puzzled and unsatisfied.
Synonyms
12
6.1
A clever trick used to avoid answering a question
8
9.7
Something not true that people say to fool others
1
8.6
A reply that seems to say no but avoids saying yes or no
1
9.9
Talk that is false or silly
1
7.5
A statement that avoids giving a clear answer
1
7.1
A reply that avoids the question and gives no useful information
1
9.9
Talk that is not true and that people do not believe
A false statement said on purpose to trick people
False talk meant to trick people
Complete nonsense that is not true and not believable
A false or silly story people tell to avoid blame
A short answer that avoids the question
An answer that is very foolish and shows little thought
Antonyms
How Credible
2
3.1
∞
1.0
- Jargon
2
8.2
- Offensive
∞
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
bullsheet + response
The first constituent 'bullsheet' is nonstandard/slang (apparently a spelling variant of 'bullshit') and its meaning 'nonsense/insincere' cannot be derived from the literal parts 'bull' + 'sheet'; 'response' simply means 'reply'. A B1 learner who only knows the literal meanings of the constituents would not predict the idiomatic sense 'an insincere or meaningless answer' without prior exposure, so this is an opaque, slangy idiom.
Etymology
Bullsheet response comes from the idea of bull (from 'bullshit', a rude word for 'nonsense') and sheet as a cover, so picture someone hiding facts under a sheet of nonsense. That's why a bullsheet response means an answer that is 'nonsense' or meant to 'hide the truth'.