humbug

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: baloneyboloneybilgewaterboshdrooltaradiddletarradiddletommyrottoshtwaddlesnake oilfraud

WordNet 3.0

Noun (3)

  1. pretentious or silly talk or writingSynonyms: baloneyboloneybilgewaterboshdrooltaradiddletarradiddletommyrottoshtwaddle
  2. communication (written or spoken) intended to deceiveSynonyms: snake oil
  3. something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantageSynonyms: fraudfraudulenceduperyhoaxput-on

Verb (1)

  1. trick or deceive
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Humbug \Hum"bug`\, n. [Prob. fr. hum to impose on, deceive + bug a frightful object.]

1.An imposition under fair pretenses; something contrived in order to deceive and mislead; a trick by cajolery; a hoax. [1913 Webster]

2.A spirit of deception; cajolery; trickishness. [1913 Webster]

3.One who deceives or misleads; a deceitful or trickish fellow; an impostor. --Sir J. Stephen. [1913 Webster]

Humbug \Hum"bug`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Humbugged; p. pr. & vb. n. Humbugging.] To deceive; to impose; to cajole; to hoax. [1913 Webster]
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