cobblers

British  

/ ˈkɒbləz /

plural noun

1. rubbish; nonsense

   a load of old cobblers

2. another word for testicles See testicle

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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

Etymology

Origin of cobblers

C20: from rhyming slang cobblers' awls balls

Example Sentences

Nor need they feel beholden to cupcake makers, cobblers, tax preparers or manufacturers of cheap lingerie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

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.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

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

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2024

Ravidass was born in the 14th century in a village near Varnasi, India, to a family of cobblers and tanners who belonged to the then-untouchable or leather-working caste known as “chamars.”

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2023

Tailors, leather workers, cobblers, tanners, weavers, spice dealers, peddlers, merchants, silversmiths, goldsmiths—a whole wonderful community that lived and worked together and flourished—are being forced to leave.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar