English Dictionary

Definition of “hokum

hokum (ˈhəʊkəmPronunciation for hokum

Definitions

noun

slang 
  1. claptrap; bunk
  2. obvious or hackneyed material of a sentimental nature in a play, film, etc

Word Origin

C20: probably a blend of hocus-pocus and bunkum

Usage examples

  • Kill Bill is an entertaining four-hour hodgepodge of B-movie hokum , but it's no masterpiece.
    Spiked (2004)
  • Of course, in the hokum of the standard seasonal flick, our not-so-Tiny Tim would be the catalyst who redeemed the sick Santa.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Neither star is remotely convincing as an inhabitant of the 1890s, but they throw themselves with gusto into the film's hokum.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)

Browse dictionary