cobblers

British  

/ ˈkɒbləz /

plural noun

1. rubbish; nonsense

   a load of old cobblers

2. another word for testicles See testicle

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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

Etymology

Origin of cobblers

C20: from rhyming slang cobblers' awls balls

Example Sentences

With his aging rockstar looks, Francis says in darker moments he wishes he had taken the advice of some of the old cobblers who taught him the trade.

From Barron's

Removing the top of the box, he revealed two carved wooden forms known as shoe lasts that cobblers use to make their wares.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From pies, crumbles and cobblers, strawberry-rhubarb is my pick for the season when temperatures are still cool enough to serve a warm dessert.

From Salon

It is full of colorful stories of speak-easy proprietors, snooty bigwigs, hapless rabbis, stone-cold gangsters and intimidating cobblers.

From Seattle Times