What does tosh mean?
Tosh is an informal, chiefly British word for foolish, meaningless, or worthless talk. As a noun, it refers to content regarded as empty, absurd, or nonsensical and is normally treated as an uncountable mass noun, as in “that is absolute tosh.” As an intransitive verb, tosh means to speak or talk in a foolish, nonsensical way. The word is strongly dismissive rather than neutral: using it indicates that the speaker considers an argument, performance, or written work to lack sense or substance. Tosh is more common in conversation and informal writing than in formal prose, and its use is especially associated with British English. Its origin remains uncertain; although it became established in nineteenth-century British usage, no reliable derivation has been established. The word remains useful because it conveys both intellectual disapproval and a blunt, conversational tone, making it particularly effective for dismissing empty or ridiculous speech.
Foolish, meaningless, or worthless talk or ideas.
"The whole article was tosh."
Chiefly British and informal; normally used as an uncountable mass noun.
To speak or talk in a foolish or nonsensical way.
"He was asked a direct question, but he just started toshing."
Chiefly British, informal, and normally intransitive.
Tosh is normally an uncountable mass noun; it is not normally used with a plural form.
"The explanation was sheer tosh."
Despite looking and sounding like an ordinary English word, tosh has no securely established origin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tosh come from?
Tosh became established in British English during the nineteenth century. Its ultimate origin is unknown, and standard etymological references treat it as having an uncertain etymology rather than deriving it securely from another language.
Related word forms
How tosh is actually used
Tosh is informal and usually dismissive or disparaging. It is especially associated with British English and occurs more often in speech and informal writing than in formal prose. The noun is normally uncountable, while the verb is normally intransitive.