Quick answer
Codswallop means nonsense or rubbish. It is a colorful informal word for a claim, excuse, or idea that deserves to be dismissed.
Word page
Codswallop Meaning
Codswallop is nonsense with a British grin attached. It is useful when something sounds like rubbish, but you want the dismissal to feel lively rather than clinical.
At a glance
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, codswallop is foolish or untrue talk. It often points to an explanation that sounds invented, exaggerated, or not worth taking seriously.
Tone, context, and nuance
Codswallop is usually more colorful than nonsense and less formal than falsehood. It has a British feel, so it can make dialogue or commentary sound playful, irritated, or slightly theatrical.
Word origin
The origin of codswallop is uncertain. It is strongly associated with British informal English, but popular origin stories should be treated cautiously.
Example sentences
- Simple: That excuse is codswallop.
- Everyday: She dismissed the rumor as a load of codswallop.
- Writing: The villain wrapped his codswallop in elegant grammar.
- Nuance: Codswallop sounds more British and comic than plain nonsense.
- Awkward: "The map is codswallop." Better: "The directions on the map are codswallop."
Common mistakes
- Using it as a count noun too often: People usually say “that is codswallop” or “a load of codswallop,” not “a codswallop.”
- Using it for harmless confusion: Codswallop dismisses something as rubbish, not merely unclear.
- Assuming the origin is certain: Several origin stories exist, but the exact origin is uncertain.
- Using it in formal evidence-based writing: Use false claim, unsupported claim, or nonsense if you need a neutral register.
Synonyms and similar words
Opposite words
truth, sense, substance, evidence, sound argument
Word family
Codswallop is mainly a mass noun. The most natural phrases are “complete codswallop” and “a load of codswallop.”
Writing tip
Use codswallop when you want a comic dismissal with British flavor. For serious fact-checking, choose a more direct phrase such as “unsupported claim.”
Common questions
- What does codswallop mean in simple words? Codswallop means nonsense, rubbish, or foolish talk.
- Is codswallop British English? Yes, codswallop is especially associated with British informal English.
- How do you pronounce codswallop? Codswallop is pronounced KODZ-wol-up.
- Is codswallop rude? It is dismissive, but usually comic rather than deeply offensive.
- What is another word for codswallop? Similar words include poppycock, rubbish, balderdash, claptrap, and malarkey.
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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.