Is "bollocks" offensive?

Question

I was listening to a rap song the other day and I thought the word "bollocks" was used to good effect when fitting in with the rhythem. Bearing in mind the controversy over the s*x Pistols in the 70's, do you think it is an ok taboo word?

Answer 1

Personally I don't think that there CAN be any offensive words in our glorious language. We can say offensive things but that is the intent, not the words themselves that cause the offence.

If it helps, [Alteration of ballocks, testicles, from Middle English balloks, from Old English beallucas; see bhel-2 in Indo-European roots.]

How can such a GREAT word be offensive?

Answer 2

Only when they are brushing against a mans chin.

Answer 3

It can feel offensive when used against you. You are talking bollocks. I'll kick you in the bollocks.

It's a slang word for testicles or talking a load of nonsense.

It's not used in polite society.

Answer 4

I'm not sure, but that word came to mind as I was browsing the Current Events category.

Answer 5

It might be.  I used the word earlier and got a violation notice!

Mind you....we can say all bran and get a violation notice on here!

ALL Bran!!!!!!!!!!!

RICE CRISPIES!!!!!!!

Think I'll give up on this.

Answer 6

Talking of the s*x Pistols, Richard Branson used a man of the cloth to confirm the ettemology of 'Bollocks' to a judge in order to prove that it wasn't offensive. He won.

Doesn't mean to say that some poeple won't think you're being rude if you use it though.

Answer 7

Technically, the question should be "are bollocks offensive?"

(unless you lost one in an accident)

Answer 8

how can you call someone bollocks?

Answer 9

It's not really offensive. It's just like sh*t or c**p. They have an strange choice of words that aren't allowed on here. Ars e get's blocked out and it's just a slang word for bottom as far as I'm aware.

Answer 10

Anything "rap" is offencive !

The words of violence, the aggressive gestures, and the general attitude of the narrators some calls mistakenly as "singers" !

Rap should be ban then less kids would get knifed or shot !

Answer 11

im with Pleasant Peter Perkins

Answer 12

It's more polite than some words you can use, but still not one to say in polite company.

Answer 13

it can be yes

Answer 14

Its my fave word in the whole wide world.I say it at least 10 times a day.I always preceed it with the word Oh and i spell it as Bollox.Is it offence??..I'm afraid your asking the wrong person here.