How to pronounce bunkum
Say it like BUHNG-kum. Bunkum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHNG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bunkum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BUHNG
- kum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bunkum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BUHNGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of bunkum
American and British speakers say bunkum in essentially the same way: /ˈbʌŋkəm/ in the US and /ˈbʌŋkəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: BUHNG-kum.
What does bunkum mean?
- Senseless talk; nonsense; a piece of nonsense.
- Bombastic political posturing or oratorical display designed only for show or public applause.
Where does bunkum come from?
From buncombe, from “speaking to (or for) Buncombe County, North Carolina”, a county in North Carolina named for Edward Buncombe.
Questions about saying bunkum
How do you pronounce bunkum?
Say BUHNG-kum. The American pronunciation is /ˈbʌŋkəm/. In British English it is /ˈbʌŋkəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bunkum?
Bunkum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BUHNG). Broken into parts: BUHNG · kum.
Do Americans and Brits say bunkum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbʌŋkəm/ and the British form is /ˈbʌŋkəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.