Definition

Nonsense or empty talk that is intended to deceive or mislead.

Example

The politician's speech was filled with buncombe, lacking any real substance.

Conversation

Did you hear that speech? It was just a lot of buncombe.

Yeah, I couldn't believe how much nonsense he was spouting.

It's frustrating when people don't speak the truth and just throw around buncombe.

Totally! I prefer straightforward conversations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Buncombe originates from a place name, Buncombe County in North Carolina, which became associated with political nonsense or insincere talk. The term is believed to have arisen during a speech by a congressman who was accused of speaking only for the benefit of his constituents in Buncombe County, thus leading to the meaning of empty or insincere rhetoric.

Memory Tip

Imagine a politician speaking just to please their voters in a specific place, which helps you remember that 'buncombe' refers to insincere or meaningless talk.

Visually Confused Words