busting balls

Mocking someone relentlessly

Busting balls (or ball-busting) has two meanings.

It can mean teasing, mocking, or giving someone a hard time: I'm just busting your balls, don't get upset.

It can also mean working extremely hard: We've been busting our balls on this project for months.

Both senses are vulgar but common.

Related

giving a hard time · joking · pulling your leg · just kidding · needling · roasting · giving grief · harassing · taunting · jibing · prodding · goading · wise-cracking · sarcasm · locker room · locker room talk · guy talk · friendly fire

Opposites
interpersonal teasing style

busting ballsbuilding up

Increasing gradually

praising · complimenting · coddling · flattering · pampering

sincerity of criticism

busting ballstaking offense

Feeling insulted or hurt

social pressure applied

busting ballsletting slide

Choosing to ignore

laying off · easing up · backing off · coddling

Family

bust, busting, busted, buster, busts, ball, balls, balled, balling

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG-13