When someone says something that is not true, or says something silly, you can say they are boloneying. It means they are talking nonsense. You use it when you think what someone is saying is completely wrong or funny. It's like saying, "That's not true!" but in a playful way. You might hear people say, "Don't boloney me!" if they think you are trying to trick them with words.
When someone 'boloneys', they are engaging in a form of verbal deception, often by presenting absurd or nonsensical arguments as if they were factual or logical. This verb implies a deliberate attempt to mislead through foolish or exaggerated speech, rather than a genuine mistake or misunderstanding.
It's typically employed to dismiss an assertion as utterly baseless or preposterous, suggesting a lack of seriousness or integrity in the speaker's claims.
§ Understanding 'Boloney' as a Verb
The word 'boloney' can function as a verb, particularly in informal contexts, to describe the act of speaking nonsense or attempting to deceive someone with foolish talk. It's often used to dismiss an argument or statement as being completely untrue, exaggerated, or ridiculous. Think of it as a more expressive way of saying 'to talk rubbish' or 'to try to pull a fast one.'
When someone 'boloneys,' they aren't necessarily intending malicious harm, but rather they are often being evasive, trying to get out of trouble, or simply not being serious. It implies a lack of sincerity and a disregard for truth or accuracy.
- Synonyms
- Bluff, deceive, mislead, prevaricate, exaggerate, waffle, talk nonsense, spin a yarn.
§ Grammatical Structures and Usage
As a verb, 'boloney' generally follows standard English verb conjugations. It is most commonly used in the present tense to describe an ongoing action or habit, or in the past tense to describe a completed action.
- Subject + boloney(s) + (prepositional phrase/object)
- Subject + be + boloneying + (prepositional phrase/object)
It typically takes an indirect object (e.g., 'to me') or is used intransitively. It's rare to see it take a direct object in the sense of 'boloneying something,' but rather 'boloneying about something' or 'boloneying to someone.'
§ Common Prepositions with 'Boloney'
The most common prepositions used with 'boloney' when it's a verb are:
- About: Used to indicate the topic or subject of the nonsensical talk.
- To: Used to indicate the person being spoken to or deceived.
§ Examples in Sentences
He always tries to boloney his way out of doing chores.
In this sentence, 'boloney his way out' implies using foolish talk or deceptive excuses to avoid a responsibility.
Don't listen to him; he's just boloneying about the project deadlines again.
Here, 'boloneying about' suggests that the person is speaking untruths or exaggerations regarding the project timelines.
She tried to boloney to the teacher about why her homework wasn't done.
This example shows 'boloneying to' someone, indicating an attempt to deceive the teacher with flimsy excuses.
You can't just boloney your way through a serious presentation.
Similar to the first example, 'boloney your way through' implies trying to get through something by being insincere or unprepared, relying on nonsense rather than substance.
§ Understanding the Connotation
The verb 'boloney' carries a distinctly informal and often humorous or exasperated tone. It's not a word you'd typically use in formal writing or serious discussions. When someone accuses another of 'boloneying,' it's usually with a sense of mild irritation or amusement at their attempt to mislead or talk rubbish.
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- Informal; typically used in spoken English or casual writing.
§ Common Phrases and Expressions
While 'boloney' as a verb is quite direct, it can sometimes be part of slightly longer idiomatic expressions:
- To boloney your way out of something: To use deceptive or foolish talk to avoid a responsibility or situation.
- To boloney about something: To speak nonsense or exaggerations regarding a particular topic.
Mastering the use of 'boloney' as a verb adds a touch of colorful, informal expression to your English vocabulary, particularly when you want to describe someone's attempts to speak nonsense or mislead with lighthearted exasperation.
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb 'boloney' must agree with its subject in number (singular or plural).
He boloneys about his accomplishments. They boloney about their weekend plans.
Verb Tenses: 'Boloney' can be used in various tenses to indicate when the action of speaking nonsense occurred.
She boloneys all the time (present simple). He was boloneying during the meeting (past continuous). They will boloney if you let them (future simple).
Transitive vs. Intransitive: 'Boloney' is typically used intransitively, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. However, it can be used transitively in informal contexts to mean 'to deceive someone with foolish talk.'
Intransitive: Stop boloneying around. Transitive: Don't try to boloney me with that story.
Usage with Prepositions: 'Boloney' can be followed by prepositions like 'about' or 'on' to specify the topic of the nonsense.
He's always boloneying about his grand ideas. They decided to boloney on the issue to avoid a confrontation.
Informal Context: It's important to remember that 'boloney' is an informal verb. Therefore, it's more appropriate for casual conversations rather than formal writing or speeches.
It's fine to say 'He's boloneying' among friends, but in a professional report, one would use 'He's speaking nonsense' or 'He's being deceptive.'
Examples by Level
He tried to boloney his way out of trouble, but the teacher didn't believe him.
He tried to trick his way out of trouble, but the teacher didn't believe him.
Here, 'boloney' is used as a verb meaning to deceive with foolish talk.
Don't try to boloney me with those excuses; I know the truth.
Don't try to fool me with those excuses; I know the truth.
This sentence uses 'boloney' as a verb directed at someone.
The politician was accused of trying to boloney the public with false promises.
The politician was accused of trying to mislead the public with false promises.
This shows 'boloney' in a more formal, albeit still dismissive, context.
She thinks she can boloney her parents into letting her stay out late.
She thinks she can fool her parents into letting her stay out late.
Another example of 'boloney' used as a verb to describe an attempt to deceive.
His whole argument was just a bunch of boloney, and no one took it seriously.
His whole argument was just nonsense, and no one took it seriously.
While 'boloney' is defined as a verb, this example uses the noun form, 'a bunch of boloney,' meaning nonsense. This is a common usage.
When he started to boloney about winning the lottery, everyone just laughed.
When he started to talk nonsense about winning the lottery, everyone just laughed.
Here, 'boloney' implies speaking foolishly or boastfully without truth.
Don't listen to him; he's just trying to boloney you into doing his work.
Don't listen to him; he's just trying to trick you into doing his work.
Another instance of 'boloney' as a verb meaning to deceive.
It's easy to see through his attempts to boloney his way out of responsibility.
It's easy to see through his attempts to talk his way out of responsibility with false statements.
This example emphasizes the manipulative aspect of 'boloneying'.
He tried to boloney his way out of trouble, but the teacher saw right through him.
Он пытался отмазаться, но учительница его раскусила.
Here, 'boloney' is used transitively with 'his way out of trouble'.
Don't try to boloney me with those excuses; I know what really happened.
Не пытайся мне лапшу на уши вешать этими отговорками; я знаю, что на самом деле произошло.
Used as a transitive verb with a direct object 'me'.
The politician was accused of trying to boloney the public with promises he couldn't keep.
Политика обвинили в попытке одурачить публику обещаниями, которые он не мог сдержать.
Again, a transitive verb, 'to boloney the public'.
She listened patiently as he began to boloney about his amazing achievements.
Она терпеливо слушала, как он начал врать о своих удивительных достижениях.
Used intransitively with 'about' to indicate the topic of the nonsense.
You're just trying to boloney me so I'll agree to your plan, aren't you?
Ты просто пытаешься меня одурачить, чтобы я согласился на твой план, не так ли?
A continuous form 'trying to boloney' is used.
When he started to boloney about his imaginary adventures, we all just laughed.
Когда он начал нести чушь о своих воображаемых приключениях, мы все просто рассмеялись.
Similar to example 4, used intransitively with 'about'.
I wish you wouldn't try to boloney your friends; it's not fair to them.
Я бы хотел, чтобы ты не пытался обманывать своих друзей; это несправедливо по отношению к ним.
Used with 'your friends' as the direct object, similar to example 2.
His entire presentation was just a lot of boloney; there was no real substance to it.
Вся его презентация была просто чепухой; в ней не было никакого реального содержания.
Here, 'boloney' is used as a noun, referring to the nonsense itself, which is a common usage related to the verb form.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Imagine two friends, Sarah and Tom, discussing a conspiracy theory. Sarah is trying to convince Tom that the moon landing was faked, presenting various dubious 'facts'. Tom, growing increasingly frustrated with her outlandish claims, finally interjects:
- Oh, that's just a bunch of boloney!
- You're totally boloneying me right now, aren't you?
- Don't boloney me with that nonsense.
A politician is giving a speech, making grand promises that seem impossible to keep and offering very little in terms of practical solutions. A constituent, listening intently, mutters to their companion:
- He's just boloneying everyone with those promises.
- That's pure political boloney.
- I'm not falling for that boloney.
A student is trying to explain to their teacher why their homework isn't done, coming up with increasingly elaborate and improbable excuses. The teacher, who has heard it all before, responds with a skeptical look:
- Are you trying to boloney me, young man?
- That excuse sounds like complete boloney.
- Don't try to boloney your way out of this.
During a casual conversation, someone starts sharing a highly exaggerated story about their recent achievements, clearly embellishing the truth to impress the group. Another person in the group, recognizing the exaggeration, thinks to themselves:
- He's really trying to boloney us with that story.
- I can tell that's a whole lot of boloney.
- No need to boloney; we all know it's not true.
A salesperson is trying to convince a customer to buy a product, using overly aggressive tactics and making claims that sound too good to be true. The customer, feeling pressured and suspicious, finally says:
- I think you're boloneying me about these features.
- That's just sales boloney.
- Please don't boloney me; just tell me the facts.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever caught someone trying to 'boloney' you with a really unbelievable story or excuse?"
"What's the most ridiculous 'boloney' you've heard from a politician or in the news recently?"
"How do you usually react when you realize someone is trying to 'boloney' you?"
"Can you think of a time when you might have inadvertently 'boloneyed' someone, even if you didn't mean to deceive them?"
"In what situations do people typically use 'boloney' to dismiss an argument or statement?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when you successfully identified someone trying to 'boloney' you. What were the clues, and how did you respond?
Reflect on the impact of 'boloney' in public discourse. How does it affect trust and decision-making?
Write about a scenario where someone might use 'boloney' with good intentions, perhaps to protect someone's feelings. Is this ever justifiable?
Consider the difference between innocent exaggeration and deliberate 'boloney'. Where do you draw the line?
Imagine you're in a debate, and your opponent starts using 'boloney' to undermine your points. What strategies would you use to counter them effectively?
Test Yourself 66 questions
My friend said he saw a pink elephant. That's just ___!
'Boloney' means nonsense or foolish talk. A pink elephant is not real, so it's nonsense.
Don't listen to him, he always tries to ___ me with silly stories.
To 'boloney' someone means to deceive them with foolish talk. Silly stories are foolish.
When someone says something that is not true, you can say it's ___.
'Boloney' is used when something is completely untrue or ridiculous.
If someone tells you a fantastic story that is hard to believe, you can say it's boloney.
Yes, 'boloney' is used for statements that are untrue or ridiculous.
When you say something is 'boloney', it means you think it is a very good idea.
No, 'boloney' means something is nonsense or untrue, not a good idea.
If your friend tells you a true fact, you should say it's boloney.
No, 'boloney' is for untrue or ridiculous statements, not true facts.
Listen for the word that means 'nonsense'.
The speaker is telling someone not to deceive them.
The story is being described as untrue.
Read this aloud:
He talks boloney.
Focus: /bəˈloʊni/
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
That's boloney!
Focus: /ðæts bəˈloʊni/
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Don't try to boloney me.
Focus: /doʊnt traɪ tu bəˈloʊni mi/
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about something you like to do for fun.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I like to play games for fun.
Write two words that describe your best friend.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My friend is kind and funny.
Write a sentence about what you eat for breakfast.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I eat bread for breakfast.
What is the dog's name?
Read this passage:
My name is Tom. I have a small dog. His name is Max. Max likes to run and play in the park.
What is the dog's name?
The passage says, 'His name is Max.'
The passage says, 'His name is Max.'
Where is the cat?
Read this passage:
The cat is on the mat. The cat is black. It is sleeping.
Where is the cat?
The passage says, 'The cat is on the mat.'
The passage says, 'The cat is on the mat.'
What color is the ball?
Read this passage:
I have a red ball. I like to play with my ball. It is big and round.
What color is the ball?
The passage says, 'I have a red ball.'
The passage says, 'I have a red ball.'
Don't just ___ me with empty promises; show me what you can do.
To 'boloney' someone means to try and deceive them with foolish talk. In this sentence, it implies that the person doesn't want to be fooled by empty promises.
He tried to ___ his way out of trouble, but no one believed him.
Here, 'boloney' is used to describe someone trying to deceive or talk their way out of a difficult situation with untrue or foolish words.
My friend said he saw a unicorn, but I think he was just trying to ___ me.
If someone is trying to 'boloney' you, they are trying to deceive you with something that is not true, like seeing a unicorn.
She tried to ___ the teacher with a silly excuse, but it didn't work.
In this context, 'boloney' means to try and fool or deceive the teacher with a ridiculous excuse.
Don't let him ___ you; he often makes up stories.
To 'boloney' someone implies that the person is trying to deceive you with untrue stories.
When he told me he could fly, I knew he was trying to ___ me.
Saying someone can fly is a clear attempt to deceive or talk foolishly, which is what 'boloney' means.
This phrase means something is untrue or silly.
This means 'Don't try to trick me with silly talk.'
This means 'He likes to speak nonsense.'
The politician tried to ___ the public with promises he knew he couldn't keep.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or deceive. In this context, the politician is attempting to deceive the public.
Don't listen to him; he's just trying to ___ you with that ridiculous story.
The speaker is dismissing the story as untrue, implying the other person is trying to 'boloney' them with foolish talk.
When challenged, the student attempted to ___ his way out of the late assignment.
The student is trying to deceive or use foolish talk to avoid consequences for the late assignment.
Her arguments were so weak that it seemed she was just trying to ___ everyone.
Weak arguments suggest an attempt to deceive or speak nonsense, aligning with the meaning of 'boloney'.
He would often ___ his friends with exaggerated tales of his adventures.
Exaggerated tales suggest an attempt to deceive or tell foolish stories, which is what 'boloney' means.
The salesman tried to ___ the customer into buying an unnecessary extended warranty.
The salesman is attempting to deceive the customer with foolish talk to make a sale.
The politician tried to ______ the public with promises he knew he couldn't keep.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or deceive, which fits the context of making false promises.
Don't try to ______ me with those far-fetched excuses; I know you're not telling the truth.
In this context, 'boloney' implies trying to deceive someone with foolish talk or untrue statements.
His explanation for being late was pure ______; it made no sense at all.
Here, 'boloney' is used as a noun meaning nonsense or foolish talk, indicating the explanation was ridiculous.
If someone is boloneying, they are speaking truthfully and honestly.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or to try and deceive someone, which is the opposite of speaking truthfully.
You can use 'boloney' when you want to dismiss an argument as being untrue.
The definition states that 'boloney' is 'often used to dismiss an argument or statement as being completely untrue or ridiculous.'
The word 'boloney' is generally considered a formal term for deception.
'Boloney' is an informal term, often used to indicate something is foolish or untrue, rather than a formal act of deception.
Listen for how the speaker describes someone trying to escape trouble.
Pay attention to what the speaker advises regarding someone discussing new policies.
Consider the action taken by 'he' towards the board and his claims.
Read this aloud:
Can you explain a situation where someone might try to 'boloney' their way out of something?
Focus: boloney
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Describe a time you heard someone 'boloneying' about a topic they knew little about.
Focus: boloneying
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
What is the difference between simply lying and 'boloneying'?
Focus: boloneying
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The politician tried to ___ the public with promises he knew he couldn't keep, but the voters saw through his deception.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or deceive with foolish talk, which fits the context of a politician making empty promises.
When he started to ___ about conspiracy theories, I knew it was time to end the conversation.
To 'boloney' implies speaking nonsense, which aligns with discussing unfounded conspiracy theories.
Don't try to ___ me with those flimsy excuses; I know you're not telling the whole truth.
The term 'boloney' effectively captures the act of trying to deceive someone with weak or foolish explanations.
She often tries to ___ her way out of trouble by making up elaborate stories, but it rarely works.
Using 'boloney' here suggests that she attempts to deceive her way out of trouble with foolish or untrue tales.
His attempt to ___ his critics with technical jargon failed, as they quickly pointed out the flaws in his argument.
To 'boloney' someone can involve attempting to deceive or dismiss their points with misleading or foolish talk, even if it sounds complex.
The salesman tried to ___ us into buying the extended warranty, but his arguments were so weak they were almost laughable.
The context implies the salesman is trying to deceive or persuade with foolish or untrue arguments, which is precisely what 'boloney' means.
The politician tried to boloney the public with promises of tax cuts, but most people saw through his empty words.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or attempt to deceive, making 'deceive' the most fitting synonym here.
When he started to boloney about his fantastical adventures, I knew he was exaggerating the truth.
Boloneying implies inventing untrue or embellished stories, so 'fabricate stories' accurately captures this meaning.
Don't try to boloney me with those excuses; I know you haven't finished your work.
To 'boloney' someone means to try to fool them with foolish talk or deception. 'Fool' is the best fit.
If someone is boloneying, they are offering a well-reasoned and truthful argument.
To 'boloney' means to speak nonsense or attempt to deceive, which is the opposite of offering a well-reasoned and truthful argument.
The term 'boloney' can be used when dismissing a statement as completely untrue or ridiculous.
The definition explicitly states that 'boloney' is often used to dismiss an argument or statement as being completely untrue or ridiculous.
When a speaker is boloneying, they are typically trying to clarify a complex issue.
To 'boloney' implies speaking nonsense or trying to deceive, not clarifying a complex issue.
The correct order forms a coherent sentence stating that the story was nonsense.
This sentence uses 'boloney' as a verb, meaning to deceive with foolish talk.
This sentence implies the speech was filled with deceptive or meaningless rhetoric.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Example
Don't try to boloney your way out of doing the chores; I know you're not actually sick.
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