complete balderdash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete balderdash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is utterly nonsensical or ridiculous. Example: "The idea that we can solve all our problems with a single policy is complete balderdash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Complete balderdash!" added @ ExperienceCN.

The Guardian

It is complete balderdash.

The New Yorker

"Hear me out!—even if it's complete balderdash," these regal older dancers seemed to clamor.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dennis Schwartz gave the film a negative review with a grade of "C-" citing "this film was pure and unadulterated balderdash".

Wikipedia

Michael could utter total balderdash and yet be the headliner at a conference.

Forbes

But Tron's lawyer, Olivier Schnerb, described the accusations as "pure defamation" and "balderdash".

The Guardian

David Gross, Palo Alto, Calif.: I agree with you completely ["Big Box Balderdash"].

The New York Times

This was balderdash.

The New Yorker

But this is balderdash.

The New York Times - Science

Balderdash, Republicans say.

The New York Times

M Drachet: Balderdash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete balderdash" to express a strong dismissal of an idea or statement. Be aware that it carries a slightly old-fashioned tone, which can add humor or emphasis depending on the context.

Common error

While "complete balderdash" is a vivid phrase, avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral tone is expected. Consider alternatives like "utterly unfounded" or "completely illogical" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete balderdash" functions as a strong interjection or statement of disbelief. It is used to emphatically dismiss something as utter nonsense or foolishness. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

General

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete balderdash" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disbelief or dismissal of something as utter nonsense. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to note its slightly old-fashioned tone, making it more suitable for informal contexts. Alternatives like "utter rubbish" or "absolute nonsense" might be more appropriate in formal settings. Its primary function is to emphatically reject an idea, conveying the speaker's conviction that it's entirely without merit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter rubbish

Replaces "balderdash" with a more common term for nonsense, "rubbish", and "complete" with "utter" for emphasis.

absolute nonsense

Substitutes "balderdash" with "nonsense", a more widely understood term. Retains the intensifier "absolute".

total hogwash

Replaces "balderdash" with "hogwash", another word indicating foolish or untrue talk. Keeps the intensifier "total".

pure bunkum

Uses "bunkum" as a synonym for "balderdash", implying something is insincere or misleading. Uses the intensifier "pure".

sheer poppycock

Employs "poppycock", another term for nonsense, and "sheer" to emphasize the extent of the foolishness.

arrant twaddle

Utilizes "twaddle", suggesting trivial and foolish talk, and "arrant" to denote its extreme nature.

downright drivel

Replaces "balderdash" with the term "drivel" implying foolish or nonsensical talk. Emphasizes the term with "downright".

complete foolishness

A more straightforward substitution, replacing "balderdash" with the common word "foolishness".

absolute absurdity

Replaces "balderdash" with "absurdity", focusing on the ridiculous and illogical nature of something.

outright baloney

Uses "baloney", a slang term for nonsense, and "outright" to stress the obvious falsity.

FAQs

How can I use "complete balderdash" in a sentence?

You can use "complete balderdash" to express strong disagreement or disbelief. For example, "The suggestion that we can ignore climate change is complete balderdash!"

What's a less old-fashioned alternative to "complete balderdash"?

If you want to avoid the slightly archaic tone of "complete balderdash", consider using alternatives like "utter rubbish", "absolute nonsense", or "total hogwash".

Is "complete balderdash" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "complete balderdash" is generally too informal for academic or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "completely unfounded" or "entirely illogical".

What's the difference between "complete balderdash" and "pure nonsense"?

Both phrases express disbelief or rejection, but "complete balderdash" carries a stronger, slightly more humorous, and old-fashioned tone than "pure nonsense", which is more straightforward.