Quick answer
Balderdash is a colorful old-fashioned word for nonsense. It is often used to reject a claim that sounds foolish, exaggerated, or absurd.
Word page
Balderdash Meaning
Balderdash is a colorful old-fashioned word for nonsense, foolish talk, or absurd claims. It is useful when a claim sounds too ridiculous for a plain, polite “that seems wrong.”
At a glance
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, balderdash means nonsense. It usually describes talk, writing, theories, or excuses that sound foolish or ridiculous.
Tone, context, and nuance
Balderdash is informal and old-fashioned. It sounds less clinical than false claim and more playful than misinformation, so it works well in commentary, fiction, quizzes, and comic dialogue.
Word origin
The origin of balderdash is uncertain. Older uses may have referred to a jumbled mixture before the word settled into its modern sense of nonsense.
Example sentences
- Simple: The story was absolute balderdash.
- Everyday: She listened politely, then called the excuse balderdash.
- Writing: The speech wrapped its balderdash in expensive-looking phrases.
- Nuance: Balderdash makes the rejection sound old-fashioned and firm.
- Awkward: "He is a balderdash." Better: "His argument is balderdash."
Common mistakes
- Using it for a person: A claim can be balderdash; a person is not usually “a balderdash.”
- Making it too neutral: Balderdash is judgmental and dismissive.
- Using it for serious harm without precision: For serious public harm, use exact terms such as falsehood or misinformation.
- Confusing it with harmless silliness: Balderdash usually implies the idea deserves rejection.
Synonyms and similar words
Opposite words
sense, truth, logic, evidence, sound argument
Word family
Balderdash is mostly used as a mass noun: “pure balderdash,” “complete balderdash,” or “a lot of balderdash.”
Writing tip
Use balderdash for lively dismissal. In formal writing, explain exactly what is false, unsupported, or illogical.
Common questions
- What does balderdash mean in simple words? Balderdash means nonsense, foolish talk, or absurd claims.
- Is balderdash rude? It is dismissive, but usually old-fashioned and comic rather than harsh.
- How do you pronounce balderdash? Balderdash is pronounced BAWL-der-dash.
- Is balderdash formal or informal? Balderdash is informal and best used in lively commentary or dialogue.
- What is another word for balderdash? Similar words include nonsense, poppycock, codswallop, claptrap, and gobbledygook.
- Is balderdash still used today? Yes, but it usually sounds deliberately old-fashioned, humorous, or emphatic.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.