balderdash (English)
Where does "balderdash" come from?
The English noun 'balderdash' has an unknown origin[1]. It possibly derives from an early English drink consisting of wine mixed with beer, water, or other cheap substances[1]. Over time, the meaning shifted from a worthless mixture of liquors to senseless talk, writing, or nonsense.
Open questions
- The exact origin of balderdash remains unknown, with the connection to an early mixed drink resting on uncertain evidence. [1]
Sources
Updated September 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris