noun
malarkey
muh-LAH-kee
Malarkey (noun) means Nonsense; empty or foolish talk. Example: “Don't give me that malarkey about the dog eating your homework.”
noun
1
Nonsense; empty or foolish talk.
"Don't give me that malarkey about the dog eating your homework."
"The politician's promises were dismissed as pure malarkey."
How to use malarkey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, slightly old-fashioned word for nonsense or baloney.
When to use it
Informal and somewhat dated, often used humorously.
Common pairings
a bunch of malarkey
pure malarkey
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Word forms
- Plural
- malarkeys
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't give me that _____ about the dog eating your homework.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, popularized in American newspaper cartoons in the 1920s; possibly linked to an Irish surname or a Greek word for soft or flabby talk.
Class of 1920
malarkey joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for malarkey
See all rhymes for malarkey →Frequently asked questions
What does “malarkey” mean?
The word “malarkey” means nonsense; empty or foolish talk. In plain terms, an informal, slightly old-fashioned word for nonsense or baloney.
How do you pronounce “malarkey”?
“Malarkey” is pronounced muh-LAH-kee (/məˈlɑɹki/ in IPA).
How do you use “malarkey” in a sentence?
Here is “malarkey” used in a sentence: “Don't give me that malarkey about the dog eating your homework.”
What part of speech is “malarkey”?
“Malarkey” is a noun.
Where does the word “malarkey” come from?
The word “malarkey” dates back to around 1920 and comes from Greek. Of uncertain origin, popularized in American newspaper cartoons in the 1920s; possibly linked to an Irish surname or a Greek word for soft or flabby talk.
