bunkum

[/ˈbʌŋkəm/]
nounpl: bunkums
parolice; besteira; conversa fiada; blablablá
1. nonsense or rubbish; insincere or foolish talk
The politician's speech was pure bunkum designed to mislead voters.
O discurso do político era pura parolice, destinado a enganar os eleitores.
2. talk or writing that is merely for effect and contains little truth or value
Don't believe that bunkum about miracle cures; it's all propaganda.
Não acredite nessa conversa fiada sobre curas milagrosas; é tudo propaganda.
The term 'bunkum' originated in the United States, reportedly from Buncombe County, North Carolina, where a congressman gave a lengthy, irrelevant speech in Congress. In Brazil, equivalent terms like 'parolice' and 'conversa fiada' are used to dismiss insincere or meaningless talk, particularly in political discourse. The word is considered informal but widely understood in English-speaking contexts.
NYC Slang
bull; garbage; BS; hot air
Synonyms / Sinônimos
nonsenserubbishbalderdashhogwashclaptrapdrivelbaloneybull
Antonyms / Antônimos
truthsensefactrealitycandorhonesty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
parolice; besteira; blablablá
Common in informal speech and media
Rio de Janeiro
conversa fiada; papo furado
Often used in casual conversation
São Paulo
besteira; parolice
Frequently used in business and media contexts
Portugal
disparate; balela; palha
European Portuguese uses slightly different terms

Related Words

bunkbuncobluffdeceptionhumbuggerytomfoolery

Related Idioms & Phrases

that's bunkum and nonsense
talking bunkum
load of bunkum
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