What does hokum mean?
Hokum is an informal noun for talk, claims, or explanations that are meant to sound impressive but have little substance. It commonly describes vague promotional promises, unsupported assertions, elaborate-sounding explanations, or arguments whose real purpose is deception rather than communication. The word can also refer more broadly to theatrical trickery and performance, especially the patter and illusion used to distract or impress an audience. In contemporary usage, its force is often mocking: calling something hokum implies that it is not merely mistaken but conspicuously empty, dubious, or contrived. It is somewhat more associated with American English, though it is also understood in British English. Unlike neutral terms such as "nonsense," hokum often suggests deliberate posturing and showmanship. In a sentence, it can serve as a concise label for empty rhetoric, dubious claims, or elaborate deception.
nounTalk, claims, or explanations that are meant to sound impressive or persuasive but are actually vague, dubious, or meaningless. The term can also refer to theatrical deception or trickery.
- Talk, claims, or explanations that are vague, dubious, or meaningless, especially when intended to impress or deceive.
- Theatrical deception, trickery, or pretentious performance.
- A dubious claim, method, or piece of supposed knowledge.
"His confident explanation was mostly hokum, offering no evidence for the remarkable claims he made."
"The politician dismissed the criticism as political hokum."
"The stage show was full of hokum, elaborate tricks designed to distract the audience."
Usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon.
"The speaker offered several impressive-sounding hokums without answering the question."
Hokum labels the verbal equivalent of smoke and mirrors: words that sound impressive until you ask for evidence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hokum come from?
The precise origin of hokum is uncertain. It was used in American theatrical and popular-entertainment contexts by the late nineteenth century, apparently for deceptive or impressive performance and patter. Its later figurative use developed naturally from that association with trickery, empty showmanship, and claims that lacked substance.
How hokum is actually used
Informal and mildly dismissive. It is especially common in American English and often carries a more mocking or theatrical tone than the neutral word "nonsense."
Easily confused with hokum
Hocus-pocus usually emphasizes deception, trickery, or magical-sounding nonsense, whereas hokum more often means talk or claims that are empty, dubious, or designed to impress.