baloney etymology

Etymology

• Proto-Indo-European: bhel-, meaning "to swell, blow"
• Old French: baloon, meaning "fat person"
• English: First recorded in the mid-15th century, meaning "nonsense"

Meaning and Origin

The word "baloney" originally referred to a large, swollen intestine used in the production of sausages. By the 16th century, it had come to mean "an inflated, pompous person." In the 19th century, it acquired its modern meaning of "nonsense" or "exaggeration."

The specific connection between the sausage intestine and nonsense is unclear. One theory is that the intestine's shape and appearance made it a humorous or ridiculous object. Another theory is that the intestine's use in food preparation made it a symbol of cheap or inferior goods, which could in turn be associated with falsehood or exaggeration.

Today, "baloney" is a common slang term for something that is not true or believable. It is often used to describe exaggerated claims, empty promises, or political spin. The word can also be used as a noun to refer to a specific piece of nonsense or exaggeration.

baloney relate terms

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