Growing up, almost everyone learns about bulls##t (BS). Often the schoolyard is the first exposure and classroom for this topic. There is a distinct definition and hierarchy. First, BS is different than regular lying. Let’s start with some basic definitions.

Merriam-Webster defines BS as an intransitive verb – “to talk foolishly, boastfully, or idly; to engage in a discursive (rambling) discussion” and as a transitive verb – “to talk nonsense to especially with the intention of deceiving or misleading.”             

Other dictionaries (i.e., Oxford Languages) define BS as a noun – “stupid or untrue talk or writing; nonsense, and as a verb – “talk nonsense to (someone), typically to be misleading or deceptive.” Both sources refer to BS as vulgar, either slang or informal.

Recent discussions have focused on the difference between bulls##tting and lying. Professor and author Dr. John Messerly points out “BSers just don’t know or care about the truth,” or even worse “believes that there is no truth,” whereas liars “know the truth, but attempt to hide it.” Messerly draws on Harry Frankfurt‘s book, “On Bullshit,” a 2005 New York Times bestseller. Frankfurt is an Emeritus professor of philosophy at Princeton.

Messerly concludes that the BSer is more dangerous because – “A world that denies the existence of truth is far worse than one that still accepts the difference between truth and falsity.”

Growing up in Queens, attending New York public schools and hanging out in the neighborhood, BS was a common topic. In group conversation, “that’s bulls##t” was often heard. In many cases, BS was accepted, even admired, as way to make the topic more interesting and provocative. If one of our friends was occasionally called out for bulls##tting, that was not a problem in the on-going relationships.

However, as one went up the BS ladder in frequency of erroneous content, it was seen less favorably and even became grounds for ruling out what someone was saying entirely.

The first step up was to be labeled a “bulls##tter.” This meant frequent forays into nonsense and lies. On a similar level was “bulls##t artist.” This conveyed a bit more style and humor than the common bulls##tter, but was still seen as fun.

The true top of the ladder, at least in Queens, was to be called a “total and complete bulls##t artist.” This meant that every word out of that person’s mouth was absurd garbage. To be known as a “total and complete bulls##t artist” (T&CBA) forever destroyed any credibility for the person so labeled. It became hard to determine if a T&CBA believed their own rubbish, or knew they were lying constantly.

The BS artist has communication skills and knowledge. Some might even say they are charming. But the T&CBA only cares about themselves and getting attention. They might describe a long history of fabulous accomplishments, but when this history is looked into there are no facts to back up the grandiose claims.

The T&CBA will pay enough attention to their audience to get a sense of their fears, problems, and values. The T&CBA will then put out rhetoric that makes the listener believe “this person really understands me,” and will do things that will help me out. Do not hold your breath. The T&CBA is only pulling you in to get positive attention and support for their nonsense. Time will show they will never help out others.

The T&CBA often has related personality disorders. Obviously, the T&CBA has an overwhelming need for attention. As mentioned in the Wikipedia article on “Attention seeking” – “The causes of attention seeking behavior are varied. Risk factors leading to attention seeking behavior include loneliness, jealousy, low self-esteem, narcissism, rejection, and self-pity.” Name calling, bullying, psychological projection and threats are frequently part of the T&CBA as well.

The T&CBA, as soon as they realized their constant BS was being believed, even by very few loyal friends, will began to adopt other related behaviors. This following reminds me of the phrase often attributed to Abraham Lincoln - “you can fool some of the people all of the time.” Of course, most did not wish to be in the inner circle of the T&CBA, and saw those who did buy in to their BS as not having critical thinking skills to say the least.

One of the preferred tactics of the T&CBA is the “flip the script” move. If there was any rebuttal, push back, or if called out on their constant lies, they would respond “no, you are.” This sophomoric schoolyard retaliation usually began in Junior High School, although some went back as far as Elementary school. The “flip the script” maneuver remains in common use today.

In an age of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, political gaslighting, deepfakes, and outright lies, BS artists are having a field day. True researchers and subject matter experts know that vetted facts, peer review, balanced perspective, and looking at alternative sources are all part of being well informed. When you need to make tough decisions, or understand complex issues, watching TV and a ten-minute search on the web will not cut it.

Want the real scoop? Start your research by talking with a librarian. As you expand your information literacy a new, and much richer, world will open, extending to all areas of content and interest.