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flimflam

flimflam

1 9.6
Talk that tries to trick people with false statements
  • noun
  • /ˈflɪmˌflæm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : palabrería
  • I've seen a million of these so-called psychics, each one a flimflam fake.

Examples

  • Maybe he needs to answer questions rather than flimflam people.

    Blog text (33)
  • If you are the slime behind this little flimflam, why, oh, why did you hire me?

  • All this talk about crazy people and dreamers was just flimflam.

    Blog text (16)
  • Can you look me in the eye and guarantee me this isn't some kind of a flimflam?

  • Whereas someone who displays any modicum of intellectual curiosity isn't satisfied with nonsense and flimflam.

    Blog text (14)
  • The salesperson's pitch was full of flimflam, making it hard to discern the truth about the product.

  • After hearing his flimflam about the investment, I knew I couldn't trust him.

  • The politician's speech was just a lot of flimflam meant to mislead the voters.

Synonyms

charade
vsflimflam
76 7.4

A false show that hides what is really happening

is about deceptive or nonsensical talk rather than staged displays
pretense
vsflimflam
  • US
65 6.1

A false claim or action to hide the truth

is mainly deceptive or nonsensical spoken content
baloney
vsflimflam
  • Informal
48 7.5

Talk that is not true or is silly

adds stronger intent to trick listeners rather than mere foolishness
wind
vsflimflam
  • UK
24 8.6

Empty showy talk with little real meaning

is deceptive or nonsensical talk with the clear aim to mislead
bunk
vsflimflam
  • Informal
22 6.7

Nonsense talk that is not true

is targeted deceptive or nonsensical speech intended to mislead people
smoke and mirrors
vsflimflam
  • Informal
19 7.4

Actions that hide the truth by making things look better

is about misleading or nonsensical talk rather than physical distracting acts
hocus
vsflimflam
18 9.3

A trick used to cheat people, often to get their money

is about misleading or nonsensical talk rather than a single trick
hot air
vsflimflam
  • Informal
17 5.3

Talk that sounds important but has no real meaning

is deceptive or nonsensical talk that aims to trick rather than just impress
malarkey
vsflimflam
  • Informal
13 8.8

Talk that is not true and tries to trick people

is similar but stresses the intent to trick as well as nonsense
humbug
vsflimflam
  • Archaic
12 9.1

False talk or behavior meant to trick people

focuses on deceptive or nonsensical talk rather than actions alone
smokescreen
vsflimflam
9 7.1

An action or statement that hides the real reason behind something

is specifically deceptive or nonsensical talk rather than a hiding tactic
hocus-pocus
vsflimflam
9 8.1

Words or actions that trick people by seeming magical

is specifically deceptive or nonsensical talk rather than magical trickery
equivocation
vsflimflam
  • Formal
9 9.9

Using unclear language to hide the truth and avoid giving a clear answer

is more about nonsense and trick talk than just avoiding clarity
sophistry
vsflimflam
7 9.8

Use of clever but false arguments to trick people

is broader, covering nonsensical or tricking talk beyond pseudo-logic
double talk
vsflimflam
6 9.0

Confusing speech that hides the truth, often to avoid a direct answer

is deceptive or nonsensical talk but not only intentional confusion
deception
vsflimflam
6 4.3

A trick that makes something look like real magic

is about misleading or nonsensical talk rather than impressive acts
bunkum
vsflimflam
1 9.9

Talk that is false and meant to fool or impress people

is focused on tricking via nonsensical or misleading spoken claims
flam
vsflimflam
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A trick done to cheat or fool people

is about misleading talk and nonsense rather than a single act
snow job
vsflimflam
  • Informal
1 8.2

An attempt to trick someone by using false or exaggerated praise

is similar but emphasizes nonsense as well as tricking listeners
humbuggery
vsflimflam
  • Archaic
1 9.7

Dishonest words or actions that try to trick people

is specifically about deceptive or nonsensical talk rather than general behavior
honeyed words
vsflimflam
  • Informal
1 7.2

Smooth, pleasant speech that tries to trick people

is general deceptive talk or nonsense rather than specifically flattering speech
jiggery-pokery
vsflimflam
  • Archaic
9.9

Dishonest actions that try to trick people

refers more narrowly to deceptive or nonsensical spoken content
pure eyewash
vsflimflam
  • UK
9.9

Words or actions that try to trick people into thinking things are better than they are

is focused on misleading or nonsensical spoken statements rather than presentation
paltering
vsflimflam
9.9

To give vague answers on purpose to hide the truth

is about outright nonsensical or tricking talk rather than vague wording

Antonyms

152 3.0

How easy it is to understand what someone says or writes

How Deceptive

propaganda
291 6.2
flimflam
  • Archaic
1 9.6
lie
2.7
patter
5 7.4

Surface Forms

flimflam singular
flimflams plural

Etymology

Flimflam comes from the playful pair flim + flam, and it sounds like other silly phrases such as 'hocus-pocus' or 'mumbo-jumbo' used to hide the truth. So a flimflam is 'nonsense' or deceptive talk meant to fool people.