How to pronounce balderdash
Say it like BAWL-der-dash. Balderdash has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce balderdash. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAWL
- der
- dash
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Balderdash pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- dashGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of balderdash
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAWL-duh-dash.
What does balderdash mean?
- Senseless talk or writing; nonsense.
Where does balderdash come from?
Unknown, possibly from the early English drink of wine mixed with beer or water or other substances that was sold cheaply.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying balderdash
How do you pronounce balderdash?
Say BAWL-der-dash. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɔldɚˌdæʃ/. In British English it is /ˈbɔːldədæʃ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in balderdash?
Balderdash has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAWL). Broken into parts: BAWL · der · dash.
Is balderdash pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbɔːldədæʃ/ (BAWL-duh-dash).