- Today's Word
Balderdash
[BAL-der-dash]
Definition
- (noun) Nonsense, gibberish, or foolish talk. It’s often used to describe statements or ideas that are considered ridiculous, untrue, or absurd.
Example
When the conspiracy theorist started explaining his outlandish ideas about alien lizard people controlling the government, Sarah dismissed it as pure balderdash.
Fun Fact
The word “balderdash” has been in use since the late 16th century. Originally, it referred to a frothy liquid or a jumbled mixture of liquors. By the 17th century, it had evolved to mean “a jumbled mixture of words,” and eventually came to signify nonsense or foolish talk. Its exact origin is unclear, but it’s thought to possibly derive from the Welsh “baldorddus,” meaning “idle noisy talk or chatter.”
(verb) To instigate, stir up, or encourage (especially trouble or rebellion).
The speech was accused of fomenting unrest among the workers.
From Latin fovēre, meaning “to warm” or “soothe.”