hooey
UK[ˈhuː.i]US[ˈhuː.i]
n
nonsense or foolish talk
Etymology
the word 'hooey' emerged in american english during the early 20th century, first recorded around 1924. its exact origin is obscure, but it is considered an expressive or nonsense word, possibly created to imitate the sound of empty or ridiculous talk. it belongs to a category of slang terms like 'baloney' or 'malarkey' that are invented to convey a sense of triviality or falsehood in a humorous or dismissive way. the term's playful phonetics and lack of a clear classical lineage are central to its function as a colloquial marker for nonsense.
Analysis
this word is a simplex. it is an american slang term of uncertain origin, likely an expressive formation.
Examples
his elaborate excuse for being late was pure hooey.
don't believe that political speech; it's just a lot of hooey.
she dismissed the tabloid's story as sensationalist hooey.