Bologna: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is most commonly used in American English to refer to a type of finely ground pork sausage that is often sliced and used in sandwiches.

• I made a bologna sandwich for lunch

This term is often used informally to describe something that is nonsense or ridiculous. It has a negative connotation.

• His explanation for being late was pure baloney

This is a general term for meat that is ground and seasoned, often encased in a skin. It can be fresh or cured and comes in many varieties.

• For breakfast, we had scrambled eggs and sausage

This word refers to a type of cured sausage, typically made from beef or pork and seasoned with spices. It is often served as part of a charcuterie board or in sandwiches.

• We added slices of salami to our cheese platter

Bologna is generally used to describe exaggerated stories or lies. It has a neutral or mildly dismissive connotation.

• Don't believe him; that's just a bunch of bologna.
• His excuses are pure bologna.

Nonsense is used to describe speech or writing that does not make sense or is absurd. It is direct and often harshly dismissive.

• That's just nonsense, and you know it.
• I have no time for this nonsense.

Foolishness describes actions or words that lack good sense or judgment. It often carries a critical connotation.

• Stop this foolishness and get back to work.
• His foolishness got him into trouble once again.

Balderdash is used to describe absurd or senseless talk or writing. It has a more old-fashioned or whimsical tone.

• What kind of balderdash are you talking about?
• That report is full of balderdash.