Meaning of the word humbug in English

What does humbug mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

humbug

US /ˈhʌm.bʌɡ/
UK /ˈhʌm.bʌɡ/

Noun

1.

deceptive or false talk or behavior

Example:
All that talk about his great achievements was just pure humbug.
He dismissed the politician's promises as mere humbug.
2.

a person who is a fraud or imposter

Example:
He was exposed as a complete humbug, pretending to be an expert.
The old man called the street vendor a humbug for selling fake goods.

Exclamation

nonsense!

Example:
Christmas a humbug? Bah! I say.
All this talk about ghosts is pure humbug!

Verb

to deceive or trick someone

Example:
He tried to humbug me into buying his faulty product.
Don't let them humbug you with their false promises.