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Hogwash Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hogwash

[หˆhษ”หษกหŒwษ‘หสƒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

general usage

Hogwash refers to nonsense or worthless ideas, often used to dismiss something as untrue or irrelevant. It is typically employed in a conversational context to express disdain for an argument or statement that is considered absurd or illogical.

Synonyms

balderdash, bunk, drivel, nonsense.

Examples of usage

  • His claims about the benefits of the product were nothing but hogwash.
  • Don't listen to that hogwash; it's all just a marketing gimmick.
  • The politician's speech was filled with hogwash and no real substance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'hogwash'

The term 'hogwash' has its origins in the late 19th century, likely deriving from the literal meaning of 'wash' associated with 'hog' or pig-related practices. Originally, it referred to the slop or refuse fed to pigs, which was regarded as waste. Over time, the word evolved metaphorically to describe something insubstantial or devoid of value, often used to characterize baseless statements or arguments. The shift from a literal to a figurative sense reflects a broader linguistic trend where words transition from concrete meanings to abstract applications. Its usage gained traction in American English, becoming a colloquial term to dismiss absurdity or trivial claims. Today, 'hogwash' is commonly used in political discourse, media, and everyday conversations to indicate skepticism or criticize unfounded assertions, maintaining the spirit of its origins in disparaging something considered unworthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,898, 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.