Talk:balderdash

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Etymology[edit]

Is it from Yiddish/Hebrew "baldarshn" = preacher or "master of expoundation"? — This comment was unsigned.

Etymologists just say "unknown". Some evidence of transitional forms might help. DCDuring TALK 11:56, 18 January 2011 (UTC)[reply]

How can this possibly be unknown when it's as plain as the nose on your face that it's an atavistic curse?! Balder was an Anglo-Saxon god, and "dash" is often used for "damn," as in "Dash it all!" If anyone can find a flaw in this statement, I'd like to hear it.LINKBook (talk) 14:12, 10 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

How about the fact that the word isn't a curse, but means "nonsense"? Equinox ◑ 23:48, 22 September 2018 (UTC)[reply]
Chambers 1908 says: "Etymology dubious, but compare the provincial English balder, to use coarse language, Dutch balderen, to roar. Some adduce Welsh baldorrdus, baldordd, idle noisy talk." Equinox ◑ 23:48, 22 September 2018 (UTC)[reply]
Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:balderdash&oldid=50364846"