Origin: From Middle English "balder" (bold) and "dash" (to strike). Originally used to describe reckless speech or action, it later came to mean any kind of nonsense.
2. Etymology: Malarkey
Meaning: Nonsense, insincere talk
Origin: Unknown, but possibly from an Irish term for "idle talk" or from the name of a corrupt politician.
3. Etymology: Flapdoodle
Meaning: Nonsense, foolish talk
Origin: Possibly from the old Dutch word "flapdoop" (soft-boiled egg). The word was first used in American English in the 1820s.
4. Etymology: Hooey
Meaning: Nonsense, bunkum
Origin: From the German word "hui" (away). It was first used in American English in the early 1900s as slang for "nonsense."
5. Etymology: Poppycock
Meaning: Nonsense, foolish talk
Origin: From the Dutch word "pappekak" (soft excrement). It was first used in English in the 17th century.
6. Etymology: Twaddle
Meaning: Nonsense, idle talk
Origin: From the Middle English word "twadden" (to tattle). It was originally used to describe the chattering of birds, but later came to mean any kind of foolish talk.
7. Etymology: Blarney
Meaning: Smooth, flattering talk
Origin: From the name of Blarney Castle in Ireland. According to legend, anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence.
8. Etymology: Humbug
Meaning: Nonsense, deception
Origin: From the old English word "humbug" (to make a humming noise). It was first used to describe the buzzing of bees, but later came to mean any kind of deception.
9. Etymology: Shenanigans
Meaning: Mischievous activities, trickery
Origin: From the Irish word "sionnachuigh" (foxes). It was first used in American English in the 19th century as slang for "mischief."
10. Etymology: Razzmatazz
Meaning: Ostentatious display, excitement
Origin: From the French phrase "ras-de-matin" (shave in the morning). It was first used in American English in the early 1900s as slang for "sensationalism."
