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/hˈəmbˌəg/ Listen

noun

Humbug n.

An imposition under fair pretenses; something contrived in order to deceive and mislead; a trick by cajolery; a hoax.

A spirit of deception; cajolery; trickishness.

One who deceives or misleads; a deceitful or trickish fellow; an impostor.

verb

Humbug v. t. (past & past part. humbugged; pres. part. humbugging) To deceive; to impose; to cajole; to hoax.

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Etymology of 'Humbug'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Humbug" Quotes from Famous Books

... like," cried the squire, "but as for that intolerable humbug, I declare I think his conduct unmanly, ...

— Treasure Island • Robert Louis Stevenson

... I replied. "This man is a humbug. He is following me for a purpose, and is trying to get ...

— True to Himself • Edward Stratemeyer

... know—— You've been very severe with me when I've suggested she wasn't. At first, when I wanted to do her as Humbug, you wouldn't stand it, and now, when I've done her as ...

— The Coast of Bohemia • William Dean Howells

... was announced, and a dried-up, little, old man, clothed all in black, entered the drawing-room. His face was cheery and his eyes twinkling with humor, so Polly and Button-Bright were not at all afraid of the wonderful personage whose fame as a humbug magician had spread throughout the world. After greeting Dorothy with much affection, he stood modestly behind Ozma's throne and listened to the lively prattle ...

— The Road to Oz • L. Frank Baum

... I warn you that you mustn't reckon on me. No, not that! I'm in the detective service; and in the detective service I remain. Nothing doing. I've tasted honesty and I mean to eat no other bread. No, no, no, no! No more humbug!" ...

— The Teeth of the Tiger • Maurice Leblanc

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