boloney etymology

Etymology

The word "boloney" has an uncertain etymology, but there are several theories about its origin:

  • Bologna theory: It may derive from the Italian city of Bologna, which was known for its processed meat products called "mortadella" and "salami". These meats were often mispronounced as "boloney" by English-speaking immigrants.

  • Bulloney theory: It could also originate from the word "bulloney", which is slang for "nonsense" or "lies". This theory suggests that the word "boloney" came to be associated with things that were perceived as false or inflated.

  • Baloney theory: Another possible origin is the word "baloney", which was a slang term for a type of sausage made from low-quality meat. This could have led to the association of "boloney" with something inferior or worthless.

Meaning

"Boloney" is used to mean:

  • Nonsense
  • Baloney
  • Lies
  • Something worthless or of poor quality

Origin

The first recorded use of "boloney" in the sense of "nonsense" appeared in the early 19th century. It became widely popularized in the 1930s and 1940s through the popular radio series "The Fred Allen Show", in which the comedian Fred Allen would frequently use the phrase "horse feathers and boloney".

boloney relate terms

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