Humbug
/ˈhʌmbʌɡ/noun
Deception or false talk.
He claimed to be a millionaire, but it was all humbug.
Often appears as...
- pure humbug
- such a humbug
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/3Skepticism Required
Use 'humbug' to express doubt about someone's honesty or the truth of a situation.
His charity work seems like humbug to me.
Pro Tip 2/3Implies Dishonesty
'Humbug' suggests that someone is being intentionally dishonest, not just mistaken.
His explanation was utter humbug; he knew it wasn't true.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Association
Often associated with themes of fakery or charlatanism in cultural works, such as in literature.
The character was a humbug, fooling the whole town.
Compare with
bluffdeceitfakerfraudhoaxnonsensepretencetrickery
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