break someone's balls
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Also seen as: break one's balls
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Synonym of bust someone's balls.
Register: slang, vulgar
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Morrie Kessler: Sorry, did I catch ya in the eye?
Frankie Carbone: Morrie, stop breakin’ my balls, alright?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Alternative form of bust one's balls.
Register: slang, vulgar
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “break someone's balls” mean?
Synonym of bust someone's balls.
Is “break someone's balls” formal or informal?
break someone's balls is generally slang, vulgar.