The term “buttload” originates from medieval liquid measurements, specifically “butts,” which equate to two hogsheads. A butt of ale is approximately 108 imperial gallons, while a butt of wine is about 126 imperial gallons. Misunderstanding this term could lead to humorous repercussions for the critic.
Commonplace Fun Facts February 5, 2020 1–2 minutes butt, buttload, butts, liquids, measurements, medieval
How Much is a Buttload?
The next time you hear someone refer to a “buttload,” don’t be too quick to assume he or she is speaking about a huge-but-undefined amount.
In medieval times, liquids were measured in units of “butts.” A butt is an amount of liquid equivalent to two hogsheads. The precise unit of measurement has varied a bit, but it is generally accepted that one butt of ale is 108 imperial gallons (130 US gallons/491 liters), and one butt of wine is 126 imperial gallons (151 US gallons/573 liters).
If you make fun of someone’s use of this term, you may find yourself being the butt of the joke and receiving a buttload of recriminations.
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12 responses to “A Buttload is an Actual Unit of Measurement”
Maggie and Richard February 5, 2020 at 11:13 am
Hahaha you’re kidding!!! That’s funny!
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Jim Borden February 5, 2020 at 7:53 pm
I wouldn’t mind a butt of beer!
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Mac October 18, 2020 at 2:39 pm
How about butter beer? How many buttloads in butter-beer?
—Mac
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Jim Borden October 18, 2020 at 8:33 pm
I’ve never tried butter beer, but I want to… 🙂
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Matthew Geoffroy Daigle October 28, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Beer Butter butt loads are better barely, by butter beer. BUT, barely beer butt loads are better by-the-by
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Commonplace Fun Facts October 29, 2025 at 5:45 am
Bravo, bard of barley and bewilderment. By baffling babble brewed in bubbles, you’ve basically bested better banterers before. But behold! Between beer, butter, and barely believable butt-loads, balance beckons. Brew boldly, but beware becoming befuddled by buttery beer babble.
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mitchteemley October 28, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Who knew!
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Silk Cords April 6, 2025 at 11:24 pm
Wild. 🙂 Too weird to not be true also, lol.
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masercot September 26, 2025 at 7:52 am
Wow! A trivia fact I never knew. I salute you!
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Commonplace Fun Facts September 26, 2025 at 12:19 pm
Thank you. Just discovered your website this morning. I anticipate a lot of enjoyable reading from it!
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sopantooth October 5, 2025 at 11:58 am
No like button, but I like it
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Commonplace Fun Facts October 5, 2025 at 3:41 pm
Thank you!
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Maggie and Richard February 5, 2020 at 11:13 am
Jim Borden February 5, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Mac October 18, 2020 at 2:39 pm
Matthew Geoffroy Daigle October 28, 2025 at 2:09 pm
Commonplace Fun Facts October 29, 2025 at 5:45 am
mitchteemley October 28, 2021 at 4:54 pm
Silk Cords April 6, 2025 at 11:24 pm
masercot September 26, 2025 at 7:52 am
sopantooth October 5, 2025 at 11:58 am
