hokum

[ hoh-kuhm ]

noun

1. out-and-out nonsense; bunkum.
2. elements of low comedy introduced into a play, novel, etc., for the laughs they may bring.
3. sentimental matter of an elementary or stereotyped kind introduced into a play or the like.
4. false or irrelevant material introduced into a speech, essay, etc., in order to arouse interest, excitement, or amusement.

hokum

/ ˈhəʊkəm /

noun

1. claptrap; bunk
2. obvious or hackneyed material of a sentimental nature in a play, film, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of hokum¹

1915–20, Americanism; probably blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum

Word History and Origins

Origin of hokum¹

C20: probably a blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum

Example Sentences

Rice is caught in the weird hierarchy of the Bush administration, where nothing seems to trump the proud place of pure hokum.

From The Daily Beast

Ye see, Hokum he got thirty-seven cents' worth o' lemons and sperit.

From Project Gutenberg

And there's just enough hokum in that to make everyone back at the Academy happy.

From Project Gutenberg

Senator Gonzales was fond of the Society's crackpot receptionist, and he knew exactly what kind of hokum would please her most.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• betrayal
• deceit
• disinformation
• duplicity
• falsehood
• fraud
• hypocrisy
• lying
• mendacity
• treachery
• trickery
• untruth