cobblers

/ ˈkɒbləz /

plural noun

1. rubbish; nonsense

   a load of old cobblers

2. another word for testicles See testicle

interjection

1. an exclamation of strong disagreement

Usage

The use of cobblers meaning "nonsense" is so mild that hardly anyone these days is likely to be offended by it. Most people are probably unaware of its rhyming-slang association with ``balls'', and therefore take it at its face value as a more colourful synonym for ``nonsense''. The classic formulation "a load of (old) cobblers" seems to be particularly popular in the tabloid press

Word History and Origins

Origin of cobblers¹

C20: from rhyming slang cobblers' awls balls

Example Sentences

They’re still delicious, and you can eat them fresh, too, but most folks use them to make things like peach pies, cobblers, and other classic favorites.

From Seattle Times

Cobblers were spies who specialized in making false documents, like birth certificates and passports, necessary to create a cover identity.

From Literature

Interim boss Martin Devaney led them to the 1-1 draw against Northampton that secured their play-off place, but following an unconvincing display against the Cobblers they were undone early on at Oakwell courtesy of some slick build-up work from Bolton.

From BBC

What happened and how long will it be before the Cobblers' home is fully operational once more?

From BBC

Life at Sixfields started slowly, but the Cobblers went close to back-to-back play-off final wins - and a place in what is now the Championship - in 1998.

From BBC