How Do You Spell BUNCOMBE?

Pronunciation: [bˈʌnkuːm] (IPA)

The word "buncombe" is often spelled as "bunkum" or "bunk", but its correct spelling is "buncombe". The word means nonsense or foolishness and is often used in political speeches. The reason for this unique spelling is that it comes from the name of a county in North Carolina called Buncombe. In the 19th century, a congressman from that county named Felix Walker gave a long and irrelevant speech that became known as "buncombe" speech. The word then became associated with meaningless speeches in general. The IPA transcription for "buncombe" is /ˈbʌŋkəm/.

BUNCOMBE Meaning and Definition

1. Buncombe, also spelled bunkum, is a noun that refers to nonsensical or exaggerated talk, rhetoric, or writing. It is often used to describe speech or writing that is intended to deceive or mislead others, typically for political or promotional purposes. The term is synonymous with empty, grandiose, or overblown claims or statements that lack substance or truth.

   The word "buncombe" originates from the surname of a U.S. Congressman, Felix Walker, who represented the western part of North Carolina in the early 19th century. According to popular folklore, Walker delivered a long and irrelevant speech in the U.S. House of Representatives under the guise of representing his constituents who were not present. The term "buncombe" or "bunkum" thereafter came to represent meaningless or empty talk.

   In contemporary usage, "buncombe" is often employed in political contexts to criticize politicians or public figures who employ rhetoric or promises aimed at manipulating public opinion or garnering support, without providing concrete solutions or substantive arguments. It implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or deceive the audience with exaggerated or empty words.

   Additionally, "buncombe" can also be used to describe any kind of false or exaggerated statement or claims made for promotional purposes, particularly in advertising or marketing.

   Overall, "buncombe" serves as a term to denounce empty or deceptive speech, writing, or claims that lack substance or truth and are intended to deceive or mislead others.

Common Misspellings for BUNCOMBE

• vuncombe
• nuncombe
• huncombe
• guncombe
• byncombe
• bhncombe
• bjncombe
• bincombe
• b8ncombe
• b7ncombe
• bubcombe
• bumcombe
• bujcombe
• buhcombe
• bunxombe
• bunvombe
• bunfombe
• bundombe
• buncimbe
• buncoombe

Etymology of BUNCOMBE

The word buncombe is derived from the term bunkum, which means nonsense or empty words. Buncombe is primarily used in American English and originated from the name of a county in North Carolina called Buncombe County.

In the early 19th century, a congressman named Felix Walker represented Buncombe County and was known for long, tedious speeches that were often unrelated to the topic at hand. These speeches became known as buncombe speeches or bunkum speeches. Over time, the term buncombe or bunkum transitioned to mean political nonsense or meaningless speech.

The word later took on a broader meaning and is now used to describe any form of empty or deceptive talk, typically aimed at deceiving or impressing others. It can also be used as a synonym for nonsense or baloney.

Similar spelling words for BUNCOMBE

• bomber,
• become,
• income.

Plural form of BUNCOMBE is BUNCOMBES