humbug

[ huhm-buhg ]

noun

1. something intended to delude or deceive.

   Synonyms: imposition

2. the quality of falseness or deception.

   Synonyms: sham, pretense

3. a person who is not what they claim or pretend to be; impostor.

   Synonyms: swindler, deceiver, confidence man, quack, charlatan, pretender

4. something devoid of sense or meaning; nonsense:

   a humbug of technical jargon.

5. British. a variety of hard mint candy.

verb (used with object)

, hum·bugged, hum·bug·ging.

1. to impose upon by humbug or false pretense; delude; deceive.

   Synonyms: dupe, fool, trick, swindle, cheat

verb (used without object)

, hum·bugged, hum·bug·ging.

1. to practice deception or falseness.

interjection

1. (used as an expletive to express rejection of something as being completely untrue or nonsensical.)

humbug

/ ˈhʌmˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. a person or thing that tricks or deceives
2. nonsense; rubbish
3. a hard boiled sweet, usually flavoured with peppermint and often having a striped pattern

verb

1. to cheat or deceive (someone)

Derived Forms

• ˈhumˌbugger, noun
• ˈhumˌbuggery, noun

Other Words From

• hum·bug·ger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbug¹

First recorded in 1730–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of humbug¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Joined by his wife Katie, he plunges into another assignment, as he tries to get the "spirit of Christmas" back from the dastardly humbugs.

From BBC

As usual, they’re backing their promise with lies and other humbug.

From Los Angeles Times

"Raising money and going for valuation every few days is all humbug."

From BBC

If holiday clutter has you more bah humbug than merry, these tips from professional organizers around Seattle might make your life easier before and after the holidays, and well into the new year.

From Seattle Times

She added: "She was 43 years without my father, 30 years without a cigarette and 20 years without a drink but never without a humbug."

From BBC