How Do You Spell HUMBUG?

Pronunciation: [hˈʌmbʌɡ] (IPA)

The word "humbug" is spelled with a silent "h" at the beginning, and the "u" is pronounced as "uh" /ʌ/. The "m" and "b" sounds are pronounced separately /m/ /b/ with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word itself means nonsense or insincere talk, often used to describe someone who is trying to deceive or cheat. It has its origins in the 18th century and was popularized by writer Charles Dickens in his famous novel "A Christmas Carol."

HUMBUG Meaning and Definition

1. Humbug is a term that can be used as a noun or a verb, and its meaning varies depending on the context. It is often used to describe dishonesty, deception, or to criticize something as false or lacking meaning. As a noun, humbug refers to behavior or talk that is insincere, deceptive, or intended to mislead or trick. It can be used to imply that someone is being fraudulent, pretentious, or playing a hoax. It is often associated with empty promises, false claims, or attempts to deceive others for personal gain.

   When used as a verb, humbug means to deceive, trick, or deceive someone. It implies an act of misleading or fooling someone through dishonest or insincere means. It can also convey cynicism or skepticism towards an idea or belief, implying that it lacks substance, authenticity, or credibility.

   The term humbug gained popularity during the Victorian era, particularly through the works of British author Charles Dickens. His character Ebenezer Scrooge famously used the term to dismiss anything that he deemed as false sentimentality, hypocrisy, or artificiality.

   Today, humbug continues to be used to criticize or mock anything that is perceived as deceptive, insincere, or lacking genuine value. It is often employed to call out sly behavior, empty rhetoric, or to express disbelief in extravagant claims.

2. • An imposition or trick played off under fair pretences; a piece of trickery; a hoax.

   • To impose upon; to cheat; to play off an imposition.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HUMBUG

• himbut
• humbe
• humbal
• humber
• hummbug
• lumbu
• uzbug
• pumbum
• Humburt
• humbugz
• humbugd
• hmiug
• kumbu
• Humbugar
• humbak
• Pumbu
• husbun
• Lumbul
• Aumbu
• huubu
• humebug
• Bumbuza

Etymology of HUMBUG

The word "humbug" originated in the early 18th century in Britain. Its etymology is thought to be a combination of two previous words: "hum" and "bug".

1. "Hum" was a term used to describe the noise produced by bees or other insects, suggesting a low, buzzing sound. Over time, "hum" came to represent a deceptive or distracting noise, often used to mislead or confuse.

2. "Bug" referred to a ghost or goblin, often associated with mischievous or deceitful behavior.

Combining these two words, "humbug" evolved as a term to describe something deceptive or deceitful, often used in the context of fraud, trickery, or falsehood. It became particularly popularized by its association with Ebenezer Scrooge's famous exclamation "Bah, humbug"! in Charles Dickens' novel "A Christmas Carol".

Plural form of HUMBUG is HUMBUGS

Conjugate verb Humbug

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have humbugged

you would have humbugged

he/she/it would have humbugged

we would have humbugged

they would have humbugged

I would have humbug

you would have humbug

he/she/it would have humbug

we would have humbug

they would have humbug

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been humbugging

you would have been humbugging

he/she/it would have been humbugging

we would have been humbugging

they would have been humbugging

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would humbug

you would humbug

he/she/it would humbug

we would humbug

they would humbug

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be humbugging

you would be humbugging

he/she/it would be humbugging

we would be humbugging

they would be humbugging

FUTURE

I will humbug

you will humbug

he/she/it will humbug

we will humbug

they will humbug

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be humbugging

you will be humbugging

he/she/it will be humbugging

we will be humbugging

they will be humbugging

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have humbugged

you will have humbugged

he/she/it will have humbugged

we will have humbugged

they will have humbugged

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been humbugging

you will have been humbugging

he/she/it will have been humbugging

we will have been humbugging

they will have been humbugging

IMPERATIVE

you humbug

we let´s humbug

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to humbug

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was humbugging

you were humbugging

he/she/it was humbugging

we were humbugging

they were humbugging

PAST PARTICIPLE

humbugged

PAST PERFECT

I had humbugged

you had humbugged

he/she/it had humbugged

we had humbugged

they had humbugged

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been humbugging

you had been humbugging

he/she/it had been humbugging

we had been humbugging

they had been humbugging

PRESENT

I humbug

you humbug

he/she/it humbugs

we humbug

they humbug

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am humbugging

you are humbugging

he/she/it is humbugging

we are humbugging

they are humbugging

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

humbugging

PRESENT PERFECT

I have humbugged

you have humbugged

he/she/it has humbugged

we have humbugged

they have humbugged

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been humbugging

you have been humbugging

he/she/it has been humbugging

we have been humbugging

they have been humbugging

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it humbug

SIMPLE PAST

I humbugged

you humbugged

he/she/it humbugged

we humbugged

they humbugged