hokum

[ hoh-kuh m ]
/ ˈhoʊ kəm /

noun

out-and-out nonsense; bunkum.
elements of low comedy introduced into a play, novel, etc., for the laughs they may bring.
sentimental matter of an elementary or stereotyped kind introduced into a play or the like.
false or irrelevant material introduced into a speech, essay, etc., in order to arouse interest, excitement, or amusement.

Origin of hokum

1915–20, Americanism; probably blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum

Words nearby hokum

Example sentences from the Web for hokum

  • Ye see, Hokum he got thirty-seven cents' worth o' lemons and sperit.

    Oldtown Fireside Stories |Harriet Beecher Stowe
  • Senator Gonzales was fond of the Society's crackpot receptionist, and he knew exactly what kind of hokum would please her most.

    Psichopath |Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for hokum

hokum
/ (ˈhəʊkəm) /

noun slang

claptrap; bunk
obvious or hackneyed material of a sentimental nature in a play, film, etc

Word Origin for hokum

C20: probably a blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum