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balderdash

noun

/ˈbɔl dərˌdæʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of balderdash

Senseless, nonsensical, or absurd talk or writing.
"His explanation for his tardiness was pure balderdash."

Detailed meaning of balderdash

It describes content or statements that are devoid of meaning, truth, or coherence. Balderdash is often associated with exaggerated claims, foolish ideas, or outright lies that are presented as if they were legitimate or significant. It signifies a form of deceptive or misleading communication that aims to confuse, misinform, or deceive others. Balderdash can also be used to dismiss or criticize something as frivolous or inconsequential, suggesting that it lacks substance or credibility. The term highlights the notion of empty or hollow content, emphasizing the absurdity or lack of value in the ideas or information being conveyed. Whether used to describe a nonsensical argument, a far-fetched story, or a baseless claim, balderdash serves as a colorful and expressive term to denote the absurd or nonsensical nature of certain verbal or written content.

Example sentences containing balderdash

1. The politician's promises turned out to be nothing but balderdash.
2. The article was filled with balderdash, lacking any factual basis.
3. She dismissed his argument as utter balderdash.
4. The so-called "scientific study" was nothing more than balderdash disguised as research.
5. Don't waste your time reading that book—it's just a collection of balderdash.
6. The salesman's pitch was full of balderdash and empty promises.

History and etymology of balderdash

The noun 'balderdash' has a whimsical and somewhat uncertain etymology. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century as a playful combination of words. One theory suggests it might be a mix of the words 'bald,' meaning 'having no hair' or 'lacking substance,' and 'dash,' meaning 'to throw or splash.' This blend of words reflects the idea of senseless, nonsensical, or absurd talk or writing that lacks substance, much like tossing empty words or ideas around. Another theory suggests it could be a corruption of the word 'balderhdash,' which was used in a similar sense. Regardless of its exact origins, 'balderdash' has become a colorful and expressive term to describe meaningless or absurd language, often used with a touch of humor or disdain.

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Further usage examples of balderdash

1. His claim of having magical powers was nothing but balderdash.
2. The conspiracy theory circulating on social media is complete balderdash.
3. The professor was renowned for his ability to expose balderdash in academic papers.
4. The CEO's explanation for the company's poor performance was balderdash, according to analysts.
5. The self-proclaimed expert's advice was pure balderdash and had no basis in reality.
6. His explanation was pure balderdash; it made no sense.
7. The conspiracy theory she shared was utter balderdash.
8. I couldn't believe the balderdash in that tabloid article.
9. The politician's speech was filled with empty balderdash.
10. The book was full of scientific balderdash.
11. Don't listen to his balderdash; it's all fiction.
12. His excuses for being late were just more balderdash.
13. The movie's plot was nothing but balderdash.
14. I can't stand his constant stream of balderdash.
15. Her argument was based on pure balderdash.
16. The conspiracy theories they spread are total balderdash.
17. His claims of supernatural powers were dismissed as balderdash.
18. The pseudoscience in that article is complete balderdash.
19. The tabloid's headlines are often balderdash.
20. The comedian's routine was filled with hilarious balderdash.
21. The fortune teller's predictions were mere balderdash.
22. His story was so far-fetched it sounded like balderdash.
23. We need facts, not more of his balderdash.
24. The excuses he gave for missing the meeting were balderdash.
25. That self-help book is nothing but motivational balderdash.