complete hogwash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete hogwash" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is nonsense or completely untrue. Example: "The idea that we can solve all our problems with a single app is complete hogwash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To which Mr. Trudden responded: "That's complete hogwash.

The New York Times

Across from the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, at the ICC academy where he is a coach, Mudassar Nazar, a former Pakistan opener, shook his head sadly and described the inquiry as "complete hogwash".

The Guardian - Sport

Won jointly by Greg Hunt for his use of Wikipedia- rather than his own department's research - to conclude there was no link between last October's bushfires and climate change, and by Tony Abbott for calling such suggestions "complete hogwash" and for his masterful summation of carbon emissions trading: It's a market, a so-called market, in the non-delivery of an invisible substance to no one".

The Guardian

Officials of the Napoleonic Society of America, based in Clearwater, Florida, say Weider's arsenic theory is complete hogwash.

Science Magazine

That statement from Clapper is utter and complete hogwash.

Huffington Post

The Supreme Court decision makes the "slippery slope" argument -- the fear that the government is on the verge of confiscating their guns -- into complete hogwash.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's utter hogwash," Mr. Klein said.

The New York Times

"Absolute and utter hogwash," Mr. Gregorie said.

The New York Times

"That's utter hogwash," he wrote.

The New York Times

"The notion that sidewalk dining restricts or interferes with church attendance is utter hogwash," he said.

The New York Times

The very idea is utter hogwash.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "complete hogwash". While acceptable in many situations, more formal language may be appropriate for professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "complete hogwash" in highly formal writing. Opt for more neutral and professional alternatives like "unsubstantiated claims" or "incorrect information" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete hogwash" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. It's an emphatic way of stating that something is considered untrue or nonsensical. Ludwig examples showcase its deployment in dismissing claims and opinions. The presence of it in media context (News & Media) confirms its role as emphatic way to express that something is untrue.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete hogwash" is a phrase used to express strong disagreement or disbelief, indicating that something is untrue or nonsensical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in news and media. While generally acceptable, it is best suited for informal or neutral contexts and should be avoided in formal writing, where alternatives like "utter nonsense" or "patently false" may be more appropriate. The phrase's strength lies in its directness and emphatic dismissal of ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter hogwash

Replaces the adjective "complete" with "utter" without significantly altering the meaning.

utter nonsense

Replaces "hogwash" with a more general term for something nonsensical.

total rubbish

Substitutes "hogwash" with a British English term for something worthless or untrue.

complete rubbish

Uses a different noun to describe something valueless or untrue.

absolute balderdash

Replaces "complete hogwash" with a more formal and emphatic expression of nonsense.

pure bunkum

Substitutes "hogwash" with "bunkum", another word for nonsense that implies deception.

arrant twaddle

Replaces "complete hogwash" with more British and old-fashioned expression.

total fabrication

Suggests that something is not only untrue but deliberately invented.

sheer absurdity

Focuses on the ridiculous or illogical nature of something.

blatant falsehood

Emphasizes the open and obvious nature of the lie.

FAQs

What does "complete hogwash" mean?

The phrase "complete hogwash" means something is entirely untrue, nonsensical, or ridiculous. It's a strong way to express disbelief or disagreement.

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

You can use "complete hogwash" to dismiss an idea or statement you find false or absurd. For example: "The suggestion that climate change is a hoax is "complete hogwash"."

Are there more formal alternatives to "complete hogwash"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "utter nonsense", "patently false", or "entirely without merit" instead of "complete hogwash".

What's the difference between "utter hogwash" and "complete hogwash"?

The phrases "utter hogwash" and "complete hogwash" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.