balls

British  

/ bɔːlz /

plural noun

1. the testicles

2. so as to be rendered powerless

3. nonsense; rubbish

4. courage; forcefulness

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interjection

1. an exclamation of strong disagreement, contempt, annoyance, etc

Usage

Both its anatomical senses and its various extended senses nowadays have far less impact than they used to, and seem unlikely to cause offence, though some older or more conservative people may object. Interestingly, its use in the sense of courage is exactly paralleled in the Spanish term «cojones»

Example Sentences

For dogs that are extra sensitive to strange sounds, she suggests bringing along cotton balls that can be safely stuffed in your dog’s ears and won’t harm its eardrums.

From The Wall Street Journal

Outfielders across MLB now set up deeper than ever to ensure that fewer balls fly over their heads or split the alley for the sole purpose of limiting extra-base hits.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, hitting balls in an indoor venue with largely flat lies is a world away from walking the hilly terrain of Augusta National.

From BBC

Petroleum is used to make thousands of products, from golf balls to children’s toys and shampoo.

From The Wall Street Journal

The author has thrown up too many balls to catch.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrogance
• audacity
• boldness
• gall