Balderdash

My chosen word: Balderdash meaning senseless, stupid, or exaggerated talk or writing; nonsense.

I love this word. I love the sound of it as it rolls off the tongue; I love the fact that it is tied up with Britishness; I love using it in the way that it was meant, to say in one word "I don't know what you're talking about, you absolute buffoon", although that sentence in itself is one that makes me smile. When researching the word, the internet also stated this: "Balderdash is a rather out-of-date and archaic word now, with very British overtones. The sort of word a P.G. Wodehouse character might use. Use it in a light-hearted way, therefore, and about something that's pretty trivial." I take umbrage at the "rather out-of-date and archaic" description of this magnificent word. It may not be in general use but I'm keeping it alive and will continue to spout it at every available opportunity.

In fact, to that statement from dictionary.com, I say "Balderdash!" Seems fitting somehow.

My poem - Balderdash

A shiny headed man stuttering before running;

An eagle, one more typical of its breed, in a rush for the bus;

A carpet with less pile having its hopes thwarted.

To these images, I say nonsense

Because that's what they are.

But to Balderdash, I say

You are splendid!

A word surviving in the mouth of me

And long may it continue, my lexicographical friend.

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65 words

This was for Penny Fuller's unofficial challenge which you can read about here: