Is there any real difference between bullshit and horseshit in usage?

[AviatorTom]

Some people use the word Bullshit while others use Horseshit to mean basically the same thing.

For example..

That's bullshit. or You're talkin' horseshit.

Here are the definitions of each, courtesy of Merriam-Webster...

bullshit
noun
informal + impolite
: nonsenseespecially : foolish insolent talk

intransitive verb
informal + impolite : to talk foolishly, boastfully, or idly
informal + impolite : to engage in a discursive discussion

transitive verb

informal + impolite : to talk nonsense to especially with the intention of deceiving or misleading

horseshit
noun

vulgar
: nonsense, bunk

So what really is the difference? Are there any guidelines for when to use one versus the other?

[purplepoppy]

Don't think I've heard anyone actually say horse shit. It's usually bullshit or just bull. I wonder if horse shit is dying out because you don't see dollops in the streets anymore. Personally I like "verbal diarrhoea"

Practically speaking horses have lousy digestion. If you spread raw horse shit on your garden you'll get a lot of weeds. Cows not so much.

We use shit to communicate time here. We've got (translated)...
In a poo. In minute
In two poos. In a couple of minutes
In a fleas poo. Really quickly.
Pigs poo. It's all gone tits up

Then there's Alchopwp. Which means exactly what you think it means

I reckon worldwide we've a whole books worth of shit based words.

[RandomGirl42]

Know your shit! 🤣

[FreyaRed]

American shittology

[Cidknee]

I like it.

[RandomGirl42]

TY for the MHO! 💩

[Master_Debator]

I read this in a book once and I think maybe we read the same book. It was a book titled with something that had something to do with Niccolo Machiavelli... anyways...

From what I remember, the worst shit is dog shit because it just stinks. All shit stinks but dog shit really stinks. you step in that and that smell isn't as easy to get off as walking through the tall wet grass while sliding your feet a little.

The book made it's first reference to the difference between bullshit and horse shit.

I'm really just curious if we read the same book...(?_?)

[OlderAndWiser]

To me, "bullshit" means that the previous statement was not true, while "horseshit" means the previous statement was a damned lie and everyone knows it.

[OlderAndWiser]

Thanks for MHO!

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

Both mean “nonsense,” but there are a few nuances:

1. Frequency & register
- *Bullshit* is far more common in modern speech and writing, even in semi-formal criticism (“that’s bullshit reasoning”).
- *Horseshit* is rarer, sounds rougher, more old‑fashioned, and more regional (often rural/working‑class).

2. Connotation
- *Bullshit* often implies deceit or pretentiousness: someone is faking expertise or spinning.
- *Horseshit* leans more toward “complete rubbish / utter garbage,” stronger on contempt than on deceit.

In practice, you can usually substitute *bullshit* for *horseshit*, but not always the other way around.

[blackgaletiger]

I have heard bullshit being used more in an aggressive type of tone. To show stronger disapproval. Horseshit more rare i have heard in a lighter tone almost joking.
“they want me to work on a Saturday, such bullshit”
“dont get this Temu charger, it barely charges, this product is such horseshit”

[Telekinetic-Potato]

If you say horseshit and you're under the age for 45 then I instantly think you have marvel action figures in your house, you play dungeons and dragons and there's a 20% chance that you base at least some of your personality on "not liking people"

[Screenwriter]

I think it's what part of the country you're from and what is used more regularly. I don't hear horseshit where I'm from in the Deep South. I think bullshit, which I expect is larger in quantity than horseshit, seems nearly universal.

[CriminallyInsane]

I don't say either but when I hear them, I hear no difference really in meaning

[ohsheeT]

It's all stinky so it's probably the same same with pig shit bird poop

Except for butterflies butterflies don't poop or shit they fluff

[katiesmuff]

They both stink and pretty sure nobody wants to step in either of them.

[Shiprex]

Bullshit is more common as there are more cows than horses (not bulls mind as they're not profitable in dairy).

[NathanDavis]

horseshit is just nonsense... bullshit is lies

[DishLady]

Lol. I've never thought about it... but no, seems the same...

[jahaims]

Completely subjectively made up based on my feelings- I feel like bullshit is when an intentional negative occurs and horseshit is unintentional

[fish5505_87]

Well, just thinking about, bullshit can be used as a verb, horseshit, not so much. However, they can both be combined in a crock of shit!

[Anonymous]

I think they mean the same thing, but horseshit makes you sound more like a farmer

[beefcakebradybatson]

I use them interchangeably, but both mean nonsense.

[Kingofkings1992]

Not really, it basically means the same thing. It's just saying that something is nonsensical or a blatant lie

[Enginn]

I think horseshit is just a more polite way to say bullshit. No difference by meaning

[KostasKouvalis]

Maybe it's a regional thing. Where I live people rarely say "horseshit". I don't recall ever saying it myself

[Marksman55]

I do not use horseshit too much, only if something is like, dumb, silly, or stupid. I use bullshit when I am mad or upset.

[darkcloud1945]

Bullshit and horseshit differ in where the shit came from. Shit is still shit, no matter what animal produced it, just smells different because of the animal's diet.

[exitseven]

I think bullshit applies to mostly verbal chicanery horseshit can have broader applicstions.

[queenofcardio]

It's the same shit 😅

[strateguy632]

Bullshit is allowed not vulgar.

[sage2021]

Where I live, everyone says 🐂💩

[loveslongnails]

I think horses shit more than bulls. LOL

[Xawyx-2]

Most people use it in the same context.

[Ariesman81]

Bullshit spreads easier?

[Wailee]

No but horseshit is when you wanna be different

[Cidknee]

Bullshit is cool while horseshit is not.

[AgentG111]

Yes it comes from a different animal!

[AgentG111]

Complete shit from certain humans !