Bunkum: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originated in the early 19th century from Buncombe County in North Carolina, where a politician made a long, pointless speech.
• It was popularized during a debate in 1820 when a congressman continued to speak nonsense just to please his constituents back home.
• The word began as a playful jab at political speeches that were lengthy but lacked substance.

Politics

• Bunkum has often been used to describe political rhetoric that is perceived as insincere or overly verbose.
• In modern discourse, the term can be applied to exaggerated promises made during election campaigns that don’t hold up in reality.
• Satirical shows and commentary frequently use the term to critique politicians' misleading statements.

Pop Culture

• Bunkum has found its way into comedy and entertainment, often featured in routines that poke fun at outrageous claims.
• Their use in popular films often highlights a character’s ineptitude or lack of substance in dialogue.
• The phrase 'that's pure bunkum' is used in everyday language to dismiss silly ideas or ridiculous conspiracy theories.

Psychology

• The tendency for people to accept bunkum can be tied to cognitive biases where individuals favor information that confirms their beliefs.
• Bunkum can create a false sense of understanding or knowledge, leading to misinformation spreading in community discussions.
• Understanding why people fall for bunkum helps in teaching critical thinking skills and the importance of discernment.

Literature

• Several authors have used bunkum to illustrate characters who are full of hot air or don’t contribute meaningfully to dialogues.
• Satires often incorporate bunkum to critique social norms, showcasing absurdity in human behavior or societal expectations.
• Writers typically use this term to depict the contrast between true wisdom and empty chatter.

Ranking #39,740, 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.

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