Signification
To behave aggressively or dominantly.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'gelijkwaardigheid' (equality). Acting like a 'bullenbak' is seen as a sign of poor character because it disrupts the social balance. In Amsterdam, the 'Bullenbak' is a specific legendary monster that lives in the canals. This gives the phrase a local, historical flavor. Modern Dutch HR departments often use terms like 'grensoverschrijdend gedrag' (boundary-crossing behavior) for what laypeople call 'de bullenbak uithangen'. In Dutch football culture, a 'bullenbak' can sometimes be a 'nuttige bullenbak'—a player who is physically tough and intimidates the opponent to help the team win, though it's still a double-edged sword.
Use it to mock
Because 'uithangen' implies an act, using this phrase subtly suggests the person isn't actually tough, just pretending.
Not for your boss
Never say this TO someone you need to stay on good terms with. It's an insult.
Signification
To behave aggressively or dominantly.
Use it to mock
Because 'uithangen' implies an act, using this phrase subtly suggests the person isn't actually tough, just pretending.
Not for your boss
Never say this TO someone you need to stay on good terms with. It's an insult.
The 'Bul' variation
In very casual settings, just say 'de bul uithangen'. It's faster and sounds more native.
Teste-toi
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'uithangen' in.
Gisteren _______ de trainer de hele tijd de bullenbak _______.
Because the sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (Yesterday), we need the past tense (OVT).
Wat betekent 'de bullenbak uithangen'?
Kies de beste betekenis:
The phrase refers to bullying and intimidating behavior.
Maak de dialoog af met de juiste zin.
A: Waarom is iedereen zo stil op kantoor? B: Dat komt door de nieuwe chef. ...
The silence suggests fear or intimidation, which fits 'bullenbak'.
In welke situatie gebruik je deze uitdrukking?
Situatie: Een voetballer die een tegenstander probeert bang te maken door tegen hem te schreeuwen.
Aggressive shouting to intimidate is classic 'bullenbak' behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGisteren _______ de trainer de hele tijd de bullenbak _______.
Because the sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (Yesterday), we need the past tense (OVT).
Kies de beste betekenis:
The phrase refers to bullying and intimidating behavior.
A: Waarom is iedereen zo stil op kantoor? B: Dat komt door de nieuwe chef. ...
The silence suggests fear or intimidation, which fits 'bullenbak'.
Situatie: Een voetballer die een tegenstander probeert bang te maken door tegen hem te schreeuwen.
Aggressive shouting to intimidate is classic 'bullenbak' behavior.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIn modern usage, yes. Historically it was a dog or a monster, but today it exclusively describes human behavior.
Yes, though the term is gendered towards masculine archetypes, it is used for anyone acting aggressively dominant.
'Pesten' is bullying (often repetitive and targeted). 'De bullenbak uithangen' is more about a general aggressive attitude or a single instance of intimidation.
No, it's still very much in use, especially in news commentary and workplace gossip.
Expressions liées
de baas spelen
similarTo act bossy.
iemand afblaffen
builds onTo bark at someone (verbally abuse).
de held uithangen
contrastTo act like a hero.
de vermoorde onschuld uithangen
similarTo act like the innocent victim.
