Ora

What Does Talking Tosh Mean?

Published in Language & Meaning 2 mins read

"Talking Tosh" means speaking pretentious or silly talk or writing that lacks real meaning or substance. It refers to uttering nonsense, baloney, or something trivial and absurd.

Understanding "Tosh"

The term "tosh" is primarily used to describe speech or writing that is considered foolish, nonsensical, or overly elaborate without delivering any valuable content. It implies a dismissive attitude towards the information being conveyed, suggesting it's not worth serious consideration.

When someone is "talking tosh," they are essentially:

  • Engaging in meaningless chatter.
  • Expressing empty boasts or grand statements that are not true.
  • Spouting absurdities or idiocies.
  • Using flowery or complex language to mask a lack of genuine ideas.

Synonyms for "Tosh"

To further illustrate its meaning, "tosh" can be understood through its many synonyms, which all convey a sense of worthlessness or absurdity in communication.

Category Synonyms
Nonsense Baloney, Bilgewater, Boloney, Bosh, Drool
Deception Humbug, Taradiddle, Tarradiddle
Foolishness Tommyrot, Twaddle
General Bunk, Hokum, Meaninglessness, Nonsensicality

Practical Examples of "Talking Tosh"

Understanding the context in which "talking tosh" is used can clarify its meaning. It's often employed informally to express exasperation or disbelief at someone's words.

  • Political Discourse: "The politician was talking pure tosh about their 'revolutionary' new plan, which was just a rehash of old ideas."
  • Business Meetings: "During the meeting, the consultant kept talking tosh about 'synergy' and 'leveraging assets' without proposing any concrete actions."
  • Everyday Conversation: "My neighbor was talking tosh about how they single-handedly solved the entire world's energy crisis last night after a few beers."
  • Academic Writing: "The student's essay was full of academic jargon, but ultimately it was just talking tosh; there was no clear argument or evidence."

In essence, "talking tosh" is a concise way to label speech that is perceived as pretentious, silly, or utterly devoid of sense. It's a verbal shrug, dismissing the communication as unworthy of attention or belief.