humbug
word
Definition
'Humbug' means dishonest behavior or nonsense, often used to call something a trick or a lie. It's also famous as an old-fashioned exclamation to express disbelief or scorn.
Usage & Nuances
'Humbug' is old-fashioned and literary. It's most famous from the story 'A Christmas Carol' (Scrooge’s 'Bah! Humbug!'). Rare in daily speech, but used for dramatic effect or to express contempt for dishonesty or insincerity.
Example Sentences
He called the magician's trick a humbug.
basic
Don't believe his story—it's all humbug.
basic
She thinks ghosts are humbug.
basic
Scrooge yelled, 'Bah! Humbug!' when he heard people talking about Christmas.
natural
Whenever someone makes a wild claim, he just mutters 'humbug' under his breath.
natural
All that talk about easy money is just humbug to get you interested.
natural