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Definition of balderdash

balderdash

/ˈbɔːl.dɚˌdæʃ/
bal · der · dash
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balderdash Lexical Profile

balderdash Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Senseless, foolish, or empty talk or writing; nonsense.

Example

"The critic dismissed the author's latest conspiracy theory as pure balderdash."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for balderdash
Antonyms
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• interjection

1

Used to express strong disbelief, dismissal, or contempt for a statement regarded as foolish or untrue.

Example

"Balderdash! There is not a shred of evidence to support that claim."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for balderdash

• Nearby Words

bald
bald cypress
bald eagle
balderdash
baldfaced
baldhead
baldheaded

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century to denote a frothy liquid or a jumbled mixture of drinks such as milk and beer, before shifting in the 17th century to mean a senseless jumble of words.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Balderdash. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/balderdash
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