Definition

Noun: * (Yiddish) nonsense, baloney, hot air: A term, borrowed from Yiddish, used to describe something that is foolish, nonsensical, or empty talk. It refers to statements or ideas that are considered ridiculous, untrue, or without substance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was talking a lot of schmegegge about his new business plan. (He was talking a lot of nonsense about his new business plan.)
  • Ignore that article; it's pure schmegegge. (Ignore that article; it's pure baloney.)
  • Don't listen to his excuses—it's all schmegegge. (Don't listen to his excuses—it's all hot air.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used for humorous or emphatic effect to dismiss an idea as particularly silly or preposterous. It carries a connotation of not just being wrong, but being foolish or laughable.
  • His theory about time travel using a toaster is complete schmegegge. (His theory about time travel using a toaster is complete and utter nonsense.)

Variants and Related Words

• Schmegeggy: An alternative spelling of the same word.
• Schmo (n., Yiddish): A foolish or boring person; a jerk. While different, it exists in the same colloquial and Yiddish-derived register of English.

Synonyms

• Nonsense: Language or ideas that have no meaning or make no sense.
• Baloney: Foolish or deceptive talk; nonsense.
• Hogwash: Senseless or ridiculous talk or writing.
• Drivel: Silly, meaningless talk.
• Gibberish: Unintelligible or meaningless speech.

Related Idioms

• A bunch of malarkey: A phrase meaning a lot of nonsense or exaggerated talk.
  • His promises are just a bunch of malarkey. (His promises are just a bunch of nonsense.)
• Full of hot air: Describing someone who talks a lot but says little of substance.
  • The politician is full of hot air. (The politician talks a lot of nonsense.)

Noun

1. (Yiddish) baloney; hot air; nonsense