bunkum

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative spellings 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Quotations 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Related terms

[edit] English

[edit] Alternative spellings

• buncombe
• bunk

[edit] Etymology

In 1820, Felix Walker, who represented Buncombe County, North Carolina, in the U.S. House of Representatives, rose to address the question of admitting Missouri as a free or slave state. This was his first attempt to speak on this subject after nearly a month of solid debate and right before the vote was to be called. Allegedly, to the exasperation of his colleagues, Walker insisted on delivering a long and wearisome "speech for Buncombe."^[1] He was shouted down by his colleagues^[2] His persistent effort made "buncombe" (later respelled "bunkum") a synonym for meaningless political claptrap and later for any kind of nonsense.^[1]. Although he was unable to make the speech in front of congress it was still published in a Washington newspaper.^[3]

[edit] Noun

bunkum (countable and uncountable; plural bunkums)

1. (slang) senseless talk; nonsense
2. (Washington circa 1828) any bombastic political posturing or an oratorical display not accompanied by conviction; speechmaking designed for show or public applause.

[edit] Quotations

• For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.

[edit] Synonyms

See WikiSaurus:nonsense.

[edit] Related terms

• debunk

• Notes:

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} debunk - The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, accessed 2009-01-11
2. ^ Annals of Congress, House of Representatives, 16th Congress, 1st Session Pages 1539 & 1540 of 2628
3. ^ Missouri Question: Speech of Mr. Walker, of N.C.