noun
horsefeathers
Horsefeathers (noun) means (informal) A word used to say you do not believe something; nonsense.
noun
1
(informal) A word used to say you do not believe something; nonsense.
"Dismissing the rumors as "horsefeathers", he advised everybody to disregard them."
2
The long hair on the lower legs of a heavy horse, such as a Clydesdale.
3
Thin strips used for feathering.
"The exterior of the court is entirely of sheathing and wood shingles applied over "horsefeathers.""
— New York lumber trade journal (1940)
"Feathering strips, called horsefeathers, can be used to level cedar-shingle roof before reroofing with asphalt shingles"
— Joseph R. Provey, How to reroof your house like a pro (1978)
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Etymology
The "nonsense" sense, a euphemism for horseshit, is horse + feathers, a nonexistent item as only birds have feathers. Compare hen’s teeth. The "horse hair" sense notes the similarity of that hair to bird feathers. Regarding the roofing sense, compare feathering strip and horsefeathers.
Rhymes for horsefeathers
See all rhymes for horsefeathers →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of horsefeathers?
"horsefeathers" (noun) means (informal) A word used to say you do not believe something; nonsense.
What are the different meanings of horsefeathers?
"horsefeathers" has 3 main meanings: 1. (informal) A word used to say you do not believe something; nonsense; 2. The long hair on the lower legs of a heavy horse, such as a Clydesdale; 3. Thin strips used for feathering.
