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

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

His review of that film was titled: “Bah, humbug! ‘

From Los Angeles Times

"Keeping quiet, I raised the camera to take some photos, then swiftly left so I didn't disturb the young fawn and mother any longer. It was an incredible experience to see a 'humbug'-patterned fawn before it loses its spots, and it was a magical experience to get so close."

From BBC

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

From BBC