Hogwash is a compound word that is often considered an idiom. It does not refer to the act of washing a hog or a shampoo for hogs, much to my kid’s dismay. Keep reading to learn the complete meaning and origin of hogwash as I break it all down for you. I also provide examples of how to use this noun in sentences.
Hogwash Definition
Hogwash is an informal word that means nonsense. This noun may sound like a word that describes the act of washing a hog. But the meaning of the compound word shouldn’t be taken literally. Do not try using an online translator, as the literal translation may show up.
Use hogwash when describing something that is not true or is not making sense. The word is visible in dictionary entries. However, it’s best not to use it in formal or literary writing.
Hogwash Synonyms
Some synonyms for hogwash include:
- Nonsense
- Balderdash
- Gibberish
- Blarney
- Claptrap
- Guff
- Blather
- Blether
- Rubbish
- Baloney
- Tripe
- Drivel
- Bilge
- Bosh
- Bull
- Bunk
- Hot air
- Eyewash
- Gobbledygook
- Piffle
- Poppycock
- Phooey
- Malarkey
- Hooey
- Poppycock
- Codswallop
- Cock
- Dribble
- Twaddle
- Tosh
- Double Dutch
- Flannel
- Havers
- Waffle
- Bellywash
- Bunkum
Hogwash Origin
The origin of the word hogwash dates back to the Middle Ages. It comes from the 14th-century word hogge, a swine reared for slaughter.
Stockmen also used this word to mean young sheep before the first shearing and for horses older than one year.
Hogs eat anything, even scraps from leftover meals of humans and rotten food. This pungent mixture was known as wash or swill.
By the 1800s, the word hogwash changed its meaning in the realm of arts. American English dictionaries define it as someone or something deemed worthless. People use it to express anger or disappointment.
Hogwash is a closed compound word, which means it does not have a space or hyphen between the two words.
Examples of Hogwash in Sentences
- Alas, this all turned out to be complete hogwash, since after her wedding she actually went on four holidays in six months and performed some 73 public engagements before flouncing back to California. (Perth Now)
- Forget all the “free speech” hogwash Elon Musk and the far-right trade in. They don’t even understand the meaning of the term. Free speech has to do with whether the government can restrict it, not restrictions created by private businesses. (Las Vegas Sun)
- Tom Roberts didn’t agree, claiming the demolition plans are “more hogwash from people who have no respect for great architecture”. According to him, the better alternative would be to “move the people out, fix it and move the people who want back in”. (Dezeen)
- Birdsall added that the allegations against Aqib were “absolutely 100% hogwash.” Aqib has not been charged with anything since the incident but he left his broadcasting job at Amazon following his brother’s arrest. (Yahoo)
Hogwash Summary
This guide has taught you the meaning of hogwash and its origin. You also know how to use it in a sentence.
Do not use the word hogwash in its literal sense. Instead, use this informal word to mean nonsense or something untrue.
Check out some others we covered: