Balderdash: meaning, definitions and examples

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balderdash

[ˈbɔːldədæʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

game

A game involving the bluffing of players, who try to guess the correct definition of obscure words. Players make up fake definitions to trick others.

Synonyms

bluffing game, word bluffing game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
balderdash	Use this word when referring to senseless talk or nonsense, especially when you want to dismiss what someone is saying as foolish or without value. Everything he said was pure balderdash. Don't waste your time listening to her balderdash.
bluffing game	This phrase is typically used in the context of card games or any scenario where deception or trickery is involved to gain an advantage. It implies a strategic attempt to mislead others by presenting a false front. Poker is often referred to as a bluffing game. They were engaged in a bluffing game, each trying to convince the other of their false intentions.
word bluffing game	This term is specific to games or activities that involve bluffing or deceiving others with words, often seen in social or party games where participants try to guess the truth. Balderdash is a popular word bluffing game. Playing a word bluffing game at the party kept everyone entertained.

Word

Description / Examples

balderdash

Use this word when referring to senseless talk or nonsense, especially when you want to dismiss what someone is saying as foolish or without value.

Everything he said was pure balderdash.
Don't waste your time listening to her balderdash.

bluffing game

This phrase is typically used in the context of card games or any scenario where deception or trickery is involved to gain an advantage. It implies a strategic attempt to mislead others by presenting a false front.

Poker is often referred to as a bluffing game.
They were engaged in a bluffing game, each trying to convince the other of their false intentions.

word bluffing game

This term is specific to games or activities that involve bluffing or deceiving others with words, often seen in social or party games where participants try to guess the truth.

Balderdash is a popular word bluffing game.
Playing a word bluffing game at the party kept everyone entertained.

Examples of usage

Let's play a round of Balderdash at the game night!
I couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous definitions in Balderdash.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

Nonsense or gibberish; foolish talk or writing.

Synonyms

gibberish, nonsense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
balderdash	Use 'balderdash' when you want to describe something as complete nonsense in a slightly old-fashioned or humorous way. The idea that the world is flat is nothing but balderdash! When he started talking about alien abductions, I knew it was all balderdash.
nonsense	Use 'nonsense' to broadly describe anything that lacks sense, logic, or meaning. It's a versatile word that can be used in serious or playful contexts. Stop talking nonsense and get to the point. The story he told us was complete nonsense, but it was amusing.
gibberish	Use 'gibberish' to describe spoken or written language that is nonsensical or impossible to understand. The toddler was babbling gibberish that only she seemed to understand. The technical details in the manual were pure gibberish to me.

Word

Description / Examples

balderdash

Use 'balderdash' when you want to describe something as complete nonsense in a slightly old-fashioned or humorous way.

The idea that the world is flat is nothing but balderdash!
When he started talking about alien abductions, I knew it was all balderdash.

nonsense

Use 'nonsense' to broadly describe anything that lacks sense, logic, or meaning. It's a versatile word that can be used in serious or playful contexts.

Stop talking nonsense and get to the point.
The story he told us was complete nonsense, but it was amusing.

gibberish

Use 'gibberish' to describe spoken or written language that is nonsensical or impossible to understand.

The toddler was babbling gibberish that only she seemed to understand.
The technical details in the manual were pure gibberish to me.

Examples of usage

Don't listen to what he's saying, it's all balderdash.
His explanation was nothing but balderdash.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originated in the early 19th century, combining 'balder', an old English word for nonsense, with 'dash', likely referring to a splash or a mix.
In its early usage, 'balderdash' referred to a kind of cheap, watered-down liquor, which also implied something of low quality.
The first recorded use of 'balderdash' appeared in 1798, reflecting a growing trend in the English language to create quirky terms for foolishness.

Pop Culture

A well-known board game was created in the 1980s that invites players to make up stories or definitions to obscure words, reflecting the playful essence of its meaning.
The song 'Balderdash' by the band The Auteurs plays with the idea of the absurdity and triviality of modern life, showcasing cultural interpretations of the word.
Balderdash often appears in comedy shows and movies when characters exaggerate or fabricate tales, emphasizing its association with humor and absurdity.

Literature

The word has been used by authors such as Charles Dickens, who enjoyed playful language and often portrayed characters who indulged in fanciful speak.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently engage in balderdash during comedic dialogues, emphasizing humor through nonsensical banter.
In children's literature, playful storytelling often includes elements of balderdash, reinforcing creativity and the joy of silly narratives.

Psychology

The tendency to believe in balderdash can be linked to cognitive biases, where people prefer information that is entertaining, even when it’s nonsensical.
Research in psychology shows that storytelling, even nonsensical ones, helps adults and children alike make sense of the world around them.
Engaging with absurdity can provide comic relief, helping to manage stress and enhancing overall mood.

Historical Context

During the Victorian era, absurd and nonsensical humor became popular in literature and theater, leading to the use of terms like balderdash.
Political discourse at various times has often been filled with balderdash, highlighting how ridiculous ideas can sometimes gain traction in society.
The word has served as a humorous critique against verbosity and pretentiousness in communication throughout its history.

Translations

Translations of the word "balderdash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 disparates

🇮🇳 बकवास

🇩🇪 Unsinn

🇮🇩 omong kosong

🇺🇦 нісенітниця

🇵🇱 bzdura

🇯🇵 ナンセンス

🇫🇷 balivernes

🇪🇸 disparates

🇹🇷 saçmalık

🇰🇷 헛소리

🇸🇦 هراء

🇨🇿 nesmysl

🇸🇰 nezmysel

🇨🇳 胡说

🇸🇮 neumnost

🇮🇸 bull

🇰🇿 сандырақ

🇬🇪 სიცრუე

🇦🇿 cəfəngiyat

🇲🇽 disparates

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,554, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
37551 groupie
37552 confrere
37553 cloche
37554 balderdash
37555 brawler
37556 catkin
37557 mewling
...