codswallop

American  

[kodz-wol-uhp] / ˈkɒdzˌwɒl əp /

noun

British Slang.

1. nonsense; rubbish.

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codswallop British  

/ ˈkɒdzˌwɒləp /

noun

1. slang nonsense

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Etymology

Origin of codswallop

First recorded in 1960–65; origin obscure

Explanation

Codswallop is nonsense or silliness. If you're hoping for an A on your paper, it's disappointing to get a D and a note from your teacher saying, "This is a bunch of codswallop!" Codswallop is a colorful, informal way to describe something that's utterly ridiculous, especially a written or spoken statement you find absurd. A movie critic might describe a big-budget monstrosity as codswallop, and a haughty older brother might dismiss everything his younger sister says as "Nothing but codswallop." The word is primarily British, and it's been around since about 1960. Its origin isn't certain, but it may come from wallop, slang for "beer."

Example Sentences

We could just call this an absolute load of utter codswallop and tosh, but let's take a minute and really unpack Graham's sales pitch here.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2022

But Ginsburg and Gorsuch were the only two justices who seemed convinced that the dual sovereignty exception is constitutional codswallop.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2018

The Australian children’s entertainers made the announcement with a lengthy joint statement on Instagram that may set a new standard for “conscious uncoupling” codswallop.

From The Guardian • Aug. 6, 2018

However, the DUP denied it was involved in the group, accusing GO Movement of "utter codswallop" for saying it was.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2016

That’s a load of codswallop* I give you the dictionary so you’ll know the world better, son.

From "Booked" by Kwame Alexander