Word of the Day: CODSWALLOP

Pronunciation: UK /ˈkɒdzˌwɒləp/
US /ˈkɑːdzˌwɑːləp/

Meaning

Codswallop is an informal British word for nonsense, rubbish or something that is silly and untrue. It is usually used when someone strongly disagrees with something that has been said or written.

Examples for daily usage

  • That's a load of codswallop and you know it.
  • He told me the most ridiculous codswallop about the meeting.
  • Don't believe everything you read online. Some of it is complete codswallop.

Origin and history

The exact origin of codswallop is uncertain. The word is generally dated to the mid-20th century, with an early known use appearing in the British radio comedy Hancock's Half Hour in 1959. The programme's writers, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, said the expression was already in use when they used it.

One popular theory connects the word with Hiram Codd, the 19th-century inventor associated with the Codd-neck bottle used for fizzy drinks. According to the story, Codd's wallop referred jokingly to soft drinks, with wallop being slang for beer. Another possibility links cod with older British slang for a joke, hoax or trick.

Also Read: Word of the Day, October 08: ‘Bucolic’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

Codswallop is strongly associated with British informal speech. It has the same basic meaning as words such as nonsense, rubbish and poppycock, but its deliberately silly sound gives it a more playful quality.

The expression “a load of codswallop” is particularly common. It is generally used to dismiss an argument, explanation or claim that the speaker considers ridiculous or untrue.

The word is also often used for comic effect, especially when a writer wants to sound blunt without being overly serious.

Interesting facts

Codswallop is mainly a British slang word.

The word is usually treated as uncountable, so we normally say “a load of codswallop” rather than “codswallops”.

Examples from literature

  • “That's a load of codswallop” — Booked, Kwame Alexander
  • “A Lot of Old Codswallop”— The Butterfly Lion, Michael Morpurgo

Synonyms

  • Nonsense
  • Rubbish
  • Poppycock
  • Balderdash
  • Drivel
  • Twaddle
  • Tosh

Antonyms

  • Truth
  • Fact
  • Sense
  • Reality

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