Hokum: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'hokum' is believed to have originated from the early 20th century, possibly derived from a blend of 'hocus pocus' and 'hokus pokus', both of which convey a sense of trickery.
• It was initially used in theater to describe corny or overly sentimental plots that lacked depth.
• By the 1930s, the term evolved to describe anything that seems deceptive or insincere.

Pop Culture

• Hokum has appeared in various movies, often used in the context of comedic performances highlighting absurdity or trickery.
• Musicians like the band Hokum Blues (from the 1920s) used the term in their song titles, tapping into the idea of playful mischief.
• The concept is often reflected in media critique, referring to scripted dramas or reality shows where authenticity is questioned.

Literature

• Notorious authors like H.L. Mencken have critiqued hokum in literature, labeling certain popular works as filled with exaggerated claims or lacking in substance.
• Some literary critics use the term to describe plots that rely on cheap emotional tricks rather than authentic storytelling.
• The word can also categorize certain tropes in mystery novels where the resolution feels forced or unearned.

Psychology

• People are often drawn to hokum due to cognitive biases, such as the illusion of understanding, wanting things that feel profound but are ultimately simplistic.
• Hokum can manipulate emotions, playing upon people's fears or desires, which is commonly exploited in advertising.
• Belief in hokum can lead to phenomenon like the 'Bandwagon effect', where individuals adopt beliefs simply because others do.

Science

• In scientific discourse, the term is frequently used to critique unfounded claims or pseudoscience that lacks empirical support.
• The label 'hokum' can challenge trends in health and wellness products that make exaggerated claims about their benefits.
• Researchers often emphasize the importance of critical thinking to distinguish factual information from hokum in a society inundated with misinformation.

Ranking #37,708, 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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• 37708 hokum
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