Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Bogus"

Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Merriam-Webster's Experts

Introduction

In the June 4th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast, the focus centers on the adjective "bogus." Hosted by Merriam-Webster experts, this episode delves into the meaning, usage, history, and contemporary relevance of the word, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of its nuances and applications.

Definition of "Bogus"

The episode opens with a clear definition of "bogus."

“Bogus is an adjective. It's an informal word used to describe something that is not real or genuine, making it a synonym of such words as fake, false, and counterfeit.”
— Speaker A [00:10]

This establishes "bogus" as a versatile term commonly employed in everyday language to denote deceit or lack of authenticity.

Usage in Context

To illustrate the application of "bogus," the host references a sentence from the LA Times authored by Noah Goldberg.

“A former West Covina resident admitted to selling at least $250,000 in bogus sports and entertainment memorabilia, including forged photos and signatures of the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' stars...”
— Speaker A [00:35]

This example underscores the word's relevance in describing fraudulent activities, particularly in the realm of collectibles and memorabilia.

Further enhancing the context, the host cites author Carolina C.O. Kirkland's work:

“Author Carolina C.O. Kirkland wrote about a scandal affecting the fictitious frontier town of Tinkerville, whose bank vaults were discovered to contain a heavy charge of broken glass and tenpenny nails, covered above and below with half dollars, principally bogus.”
— Speaker A [00:50]

Here, "bogus" not only describes counterfeit currency but also emphasizes the pervasive nature of deceit within a community.

Etymology and Historical Usage

A significant portion of the episode delves into the origins of "bogus," tracing its roots and evolution in the English language.

“The word 'bogus,' an apparent American coinage, was first used in the argot of wildcat banks, like the one in Tinkerville, as a noun referring to counterfeit.”
— Speaker A [01:10]

This highlights "bogus" as a product of American slang, initially emerging within the clandestine language of unconventional banking operations.

The host continues to elucidate its grammatical transition:

“It later branched out into adjective use, meaning counterfeit or forged. Although the noun is now obsolete, the adjective is still used today with the same meaning...”
— Speaker A [01:25]

This transition from noun to adjective reflects the dynamic nature of language and how words adapt to contemporary usage.

Contemporary Usage and Related Terms

Building on its historical context, the episode explores how "bogus" fits within the broader lexicon of words denoting falseness.

“...and is applied not only to phony currency but to anything that is less than genuine, making it part of a treasury of similar words, ranging from the very old, like 'sham,' to the fairly new, like 'fugazi.'”
— Speaker A [01:45]

By positioning "bogus" alongside terms like "sham" and "fugazi," the discussion underscores its enduring relevance and adaptability in modern vernacular.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the host reinforces the practical value of understanding words like "bogus."

“With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.”
— Peter Sokolowski [02:00]

This invitation encourages listeners to further engage with language resources, enhancing their vocabulary and appreciation for word origins.

Key Takeaways

• Definition: "Bogus" is an informal adjective meaning fake, false, or counterfeit.
• Usage: Commonly used to describe fraudulent items or deceptive practices.
• Origins: Emerged from American slang within wildcat banking circles as a noun before becoming an adjective.
• Contemporary Relevance: Continues to be widely used, sharing its semantic field with words like "sham" and "fugazi."

Notable Quotes

• Definition and Synonyms:
  “Bogus is an adjective... a synonym of such words as fake, false, and counterfeit.”
  — Speaker A [00:10]

• Historical Usage:
  “The word 'bogus,' an apparent American coinage, was first used in the argot of wildcat banks... as a noun referring to counterfeit.”
  — Speaker A [01:10]

• Contemporary Application:
  “It is applied not only to phony currency but to anything that is less than genuine... ranging from the very old, like 'sham,' to the fairly new, like 'fugazi.'”
  — Speaker A [01:45]

Final Thoughts

Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast adeptly demystifies the term "bogus," offering listeners not only a definition but also a rich tapestry of its usage, history, and place within the English language. Whether encountering the word in literature, journalism, or everyday conversation, listeners are empowered with a deeper appreciation and understanding of its connotations and evolution.

For more insightful word explorations, definitions, and language trends, visit merriam-webster.com.