cobblers

/ ˈkɒbləz /

plural noun

1. rubbish; nonsense

   a load of old cobblers

2. another word for testicles See testicle

interjection

1. an exclamation of strong disagreement

Usage

The use of cobblers meaning "nonsense" is so mild that hardly anyone these days is likely to be offended by it. Most people are probably unaware of its rhyming-slang association with ``balls'', and therefore take it at its face value as a more colourful synonym for ``nonsense''. The classic formulation "a load of (old) cobblers" seems to be particularly popular in the tabloid press

Word History and Origins

Origin of cobblers¹

C20: from rhyming slang cobblers' awls balls

Example Sentences

I learned how to make a simple skirt as well as to bake peach and cherry cobblers, crisscrossing the dough decoratively across the top.

Read more on Literature

With his aging rockstar looks, Francis says in darker moments he wishes he had taken the advice of some of the old cobblers who taught him the trade.

Read more on Barron's

Removing the top of the box, he revealed two carved wooden forms known as shoe lasts that cobblers use to make their wares.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They’re still delicious, and you can eat them fresh, too, but most folks use them to make things like peach pies, cobblers, and other classic favorites.

Read more on Seattle Times

From pies, crumbles and cobblers, strawberry-rhubarb is my pick for the season when temperatures are still cool enough to serve a warm dessert.

Read more on Salon