Quick answer
Bunkum means empty nonsense or insincere talk. It is especially useful for political claims, speeches, and rhetoric that sound grand but say little.
Word page
Bunkum Meaning
Bunkum is nonsense wearing a serious coat. It means empty or insincere talk, especially public rhetoric that sounds impressive but offers very little substance.
At a glance
Victorian and Edwardian CuriositiesSpeech, Noise, and Verbal NonsenseFunny-Sounding Words
How to say it
Pronunciation tip: keep the stress on the boldest-sounding part of BUNG-kum and say the word briskly rather than stretching it out.
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, bunkum is nonsense that sounds inflated, hollow, or insincere. It often describes public talk that tries to impress people without giving them real substance.
Tone, context, and nuance
Bunkum overlaps with claptrap, but it has a stronger connection to empty public or political rhetoric. It is useful when a speech, report, or promise seems designed to impress an audience rather than inform it.
Example sentences
- Simple: The promise sounded like bunkum.
- Everyday: She called the committee report polished bunkum.
- Writing: The candidate built a staircase of bunkum and asked voters to admire the view.
- Nuance: Bunkum is especially good for empty rhetoric, not just any silly sentence.
- Awkward: "The joke was bunkum." Better: "The speech was bunkum."
Common mistakes
| Common mistake | Better guidance |
|---|---|
| Saying it has one syllable | Bunkum is normally two syllables: BUNG-kum. |
| Using it for ordinary silliness | Bunkum is strongest for hollow claims, not harmless play. |
| Confusing it with buncombe | Bunkum is a variant spelling of buncombe, but bunkum is the form many modern readers recognize. |
| Making the origin too certain in detail | The broad Buncombe County connection is well known; smaller anecdotal details should be handled carefully. |
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference or nuance |
|---|---|
| claptrap | Showy, empty talk. |
| malarkey | Informal nonsense or exaggerated talk. |
| balderdash | Comic, old-fashioned nonsense. |
| poppycock | Playful dismissal of foolish talk. |
| humbug | Nonsense, deception, or insincerity. |
Opposite words
substance, sincerity, evidence, plain truth, honest argument
Word family
Bunkum is a noun. The older related form buncombe is also used, though bunkum is often simpler for modern readers.
Word origin
Bunkum is a variant of buncombe. The word is linked to Buncombe County, North Carolina, and a political speech associated with speaking for Buncombe rather than adding useful substance.
Writing tip
Use bunkum when language sounds public, polished, and hollow. If the problem is just silliness, poppycock or nonsense may fit better.
Common questions
- What does bunkum mean in simple words? Bunkum means empty nonsense or insincere talk, especially impressive-sounding rhetoric.
- How do you pronounce bunkum? Bunkum is pronounced BUNG-kum.
- Is bunkum formal or informal? Bunkum is mostly informal, though it can appear in commentary about politics or public speech.
- What is the difference between bunkum and claptrap? Bunkum often suggests empty public rhetoric; claptrap suggests showy, hollow talk more generally.
- What is another word for bunkum? Similar words include claptrap, malarkey, balderdash, poppycock, and humbug.
- Is bunkum the same as nonsense? Bunkum is a kind of nonsense, but it often points specifically to empty or insincere rhetoric.
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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.