Dictionary.com

hokum

[ hoh-kuhm ]
/ ˈhoʊ kəm /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for hokum on Thesaurus.com
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of hokum

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

Words nearby hokum

Hokinson, Hokkaido, Hokkaido wolf, hokku, hokonui, hokum, Hokusai, hol-, hola, holandric, holarchy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to hokum

platitude, betrayal, deceit, disinformation, duplicity, falsehood, fraud, hypocrisy, lying, mendacity, treachery, trickery, untruth, banality, bromide, bunk, fudge, hogwash, hooey, malarkey

How to use hokum in a sentence

  • Rice is caught in the weird hierarchy of the Bush administration, where nothing seems to trump the proud place of pure hokum.

    Thandie Nails Condi|Patricia J. Williams|October 21, 2008|DAILY BEAST

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

    Oldtown Fireside Stories|Harriet Beecher Stowe

  • And there's just enough hokum in that to make everyone back at the Academy happy.

    The Space Pioneers|Carey Rockwell

  • 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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK