humbug

American  

[huhm-buhg] / ˈhʌmˌbʌg /

noun

1. something intended to delude or deceive.

   Synonyms:

   imposition

2. the quality of falseness or deception.

   Synonyms:

   sham, pretense

3. a person who is not what they claim or pretend to be; impostor.

   Synonyms:

   confidence man, quack, swindler, charlatan, deceiver, pretender

4. something devoid of sense or meaning; nonsense.

   a humbug of technical jargon.

5. British. a variety of hard mint candy.

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verb (used with object)

humbugged, humbugging

1. to impose upon by humbug or false pretense; delude; deceive.

   Synonyms:

   dupe, fool, trick, swindle, cheat

verb (used without object)

humbugged, humbugging

1. to practice deception or falseness.

interjection

1. (used as an expletive to express rejection of something as being completely untrue or nonsensical.)

humbug British  

/ ˈhʌmˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. a person or thing that tricks or deceives

2. nonsense; rubbish

3. a hard boiled sweet, usually flavoured with peppermint and often having a striped pattern

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verb

1. to cheat or deceive (someone)

Other Word Forms

• humbugger noun
• humbuggery noun

Etymology

Origin of humbug

First recorded in 1730–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Kielty said he'll be spending three hours there, using a combination of cosmetics and prosthetic moulds to transform into the infamous green humbug.

From BBC

In a clever touch, Sphere lets us continue to see the monstrous green face, now neutered and ridiculous, mouth along as the panicked geek apologizes for being a humbug.

From Los Angeles Times

Joined by his wife Katie, he plunges into another assignment, as he tries to get the "spirit of Christmas" back from the dastardly humbugs.

From BBC

As usual, they’re backing their promise with lies and other humbug.

From Los Angeles Times

His review of that film was titled: “Bah, humbug! ‘

From Los Angeles Times