crossword clue balderdash – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the definitive page for the crossword clue "balderdash". Below, you'll find all possible solutions categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's solve it together!
Solutions for "crossword clue balderdash" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROT: A common informal term used to describe nonsense or rubbish, often implying something is absurd.
4 Letters
BOSH: A British informal term for foolish talk or ideas; nonsense. Often used to dismiss something as utter rubbish.
5 Letters
TRIPE: Something worthless, misleading, or foolish, frequently used to refer to absurd talk or writing.
HOOEY: Informal term for nonsense; bunkum. Similar in meaning to balderdash.
7 Letters
RUBBISH: Things that you throw away because they are no longer useful, or nonsense/worthless ideas.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: Spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense, a direct and common synonym for balderdash.
CLAPTRAP: Absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas, usually intended to impress or gain applause.
9 Letters
GIBBERISH: Unintelligible or meaningless speech or writing, often implying incoherent babbling.
11 Letters
FOOLISHNESS: The quality or state of being foolish; lack of good sense or judgment.
More About "crossword clue balderdash"
"Balderdash" is a wonderfully evocative word often found in crosswords, conveying a strong sense of utter nonsense or rubbish. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it has been in use since the 16th century, originally referring to a jumbled mixture of liquids like milk and beer. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass jumbled, incoherent talk or writing.
In crossword puzzles, clues like "balderdash" are designed to test your vocabulary range, especially your knowledge of synonyms and somewhat archaic terms. Recognising its various synonyms, from short and snappy words like ROT and BOSH to longer ones such as NONSENSE and GIBBERISH, is key to cracking these types of clues.
Understanding the nuance of "balderdash" – often implying dismissive contempt for something someone has said – can also give you an edge. Think of phrases like "What a load of balderdash!" This implies not just a lack of sense, but a deliberate absurdity or worthlessness.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down possibilities for clues like "balderdash," which have multiple synonyms.
- Consider Nuance and Tone: Words like "balderdash" carry a specific tone. Think about whether the answer should be formal, informal, dismissive, or lighthearted. This can often help distinguish between similar synonyms.
- Look for Cross-References: If the clue is challenging, focus on intersecting words. Even one or two confirmed letters from other clues can significantly help in solving "balderdash" or any other difficult word.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly reading and exposing yourself to a wide range of words, including older or less common ones, will make clues like "balderdash" much easier to tackle in the future.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for "balderdash" in crosswords?
While several answers fit, NONSENSE (8 letters) is perhaps the most common and direct synonym for "balderdash" in many crossword puzzles due to its widespread understanding and versatility.
How do I know which synonym of "balderdash" to use?
The correct synonym for "balderdash" will always be dictated by the number of letters specified in the crossword grid. If you have any letters already filled in from intersecting clues, those will also help pinpoint the exact word.
Are there other clues similar to "balderdash" I should know?
Yes, look out for clues like "Nonsense!", "Rubbish!", "Silly talk", "Meaningless talk", or "Utter drivel". These often point to answers such as ROT, BOSH, TRIPE, or other variations of "balderdash".