balderdash
Americannoun
-
senseless, stupid, or exaggerated talk or writing; nonsense.
-
Obsolete. a muddled mixture of liquors.
noun
Etymology
Origin of balderdash
First recorded in 1590–1600; of obscure origin
Explanation
Balderdash is something said or written that doesn't make sense, such as a ridiculous claim or a bad argument. In other words, it's complete and utter nonsense. Balderdash is a fun, somewhat old-fashioned term for "nonsense" or "rubbish." It carries a British, slightly theatrical overtone, and is best used in a light-hearted way for trivial matters. Calling someone's argument "balderdash" feels more like a playful rebuke than a harsh insult. Save weightier terms like fallacy or misinformation for important or professional disputes, as serious concerns deserve a more serious word than balderdash.
Vocabulary lists containing balderdash
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Slaughterhouse-Five
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Not Nothing
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I am upset on the behalf of young men in America. They cannot listen to this balderdash and this old-timey view of women, which is a caveman view.”
From Washington Times • May 12, 2023
Many experts in finance and digital security have been watching with dismay as consumers and policymakers bought in to promoters’ balderdash.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2022
For Mr. Merrill of Harrison Street, the romanticization of remote work is balderdash.
From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2021
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright decried the story as "balderdash", while British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said there was "not a single shred of evidence" to support it.
From BBC • May 6, 2019
In other words, a person full of balderdash.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
