Nonsense or rubbish; something that is absurd or without value.

Origin: The origin of 'codswallop' is somewhat mysterious and debated. The word first appeared in the 1950s in England. One popular theory suggests that it may have been named after Hiram Codd, a 19th-century inventor of a soda water bottle. 'Wallop' is an old slang term for beer, and thus 'Codd's wallop' might have been used to describe a soft drink as inferior to beer. Historical and Cultural Context: The term emerged during a time when traditional beer consumption was being challenged by new soft drinks. In post-war Britain, language was evolving rapidly, and 'codswallop' reflected a playful use of words in British slang. Evolution: Over time, 'codswallop' has come to mean any kind of nonsense or rubbish, shedding its specific reference to beverages. It has been adopted into the broader English lexicon and is often used humorously. Modern Relevance: Today, 'codswallop' is widely recognized in English-speaking countries, especially in the UK, as a light-hearted way to dismiss something as untrue or foolish.

Despite the popular theory, there is no direct evidence linking 'codswallop' to Hiram Codd. The word's true origins remain a delightful linguistic mystery!