Definition

Noun: 1. Nonsense, bunk, meaningless talk or writing: Speech, ideas, or entertainment that is perceived as silly, false, or of poor quality, often intended to deceive or entertain in a shallow way. 2. Sentimental or sensational material of low artistic value: Especially in entertainment (e.g., plays, movies, stories), content that is clichéd, overly emotional, or implausible, designed for easy, uncritical appeal.

Usage

• Hokum is used to dismiss something as foolish, insincere, or trivial. It often carries a tone of contempt or amused disdain.
• It is typically an uncountable noun.

Examples

• "The politician's speech was just a bunch of hokum designed to win votes."
• "I enjoy those old adventure movies, even though they're full of romantic hokum."
• "Don't believe that hokum you read on the internet."
• "The plot of the novel was pure hokum, but it was an entertaining read."

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with early 20th-century theater and film, where "hokum" specifically referred to a sure-fire, formulaic plot device (like a last-minute rescue) guaranteed to get a strong, if unsubtle, emotional reaction from the audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Hokey (adjective): Obviously contrived, sentimental, or artificial.
  • Example: "The dialogue in that play was so hokey."

Synonyms

• Nonsense
• Bunk
• Balderdash
• Claptrap
• Drivel
• Tripe
• Poppycock

Idioms and Phrases

• (A load of) hokum: A common phrase emphasizing a large amount of nonsense.
  • Example: "His excuse was a complete load of hokum."

Noun

1. a message that seems to convey no meaning