Learn English – a non-vulgar synonym for this swear word meaning “an enormous amount”

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How do I say "shitload" or "shit-ton" without cursing?

Ideally, I'm looking for a term for casual conversation but without any cursing, the word you can use with kids and teens, or just adults you want to be friendly with without being vulgar.

I found words like "enormous amount" but it feels a little too formal and dull (and doesn't work if the word needs "number").

How appropriate is "buttload"? Would it be an acceptable synonym?

Best Answer

Yes, I think buttload is an acceptable, informal substitute, at least in AmE. However, some might still find the usage of butt somewhat offensive since some people consider butt to be a mild curse word. These people might include parents with very young children. Even so, I think most kids, teens, and adults wouldn't mind. In any case, a few more casual, inoffensive examples include

  1. ton - a great quantity : lot <ate tons of cookies> <has tons of money> <a ton of work to do>
  2. boatload - an indefinitely large number <a boatload of money>
  3. load
    1. often loads Informal A great number or amount: There were loads of people at the parade.
  4. lot
    1. a lot or lots Informal
      a. A large extent, amount, or number: is in a lot of trouble; has lots of friends.
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