Bogus
/ˈboʊɡəs/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Fake, not authentic, counterfeit.
/ˈboʊɡəs/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
General
Not genuine; fake or counterfeit.
That's bogus information.
💡 Simply: Not real; fake.
More Examples
2
The claim was completely bogus.
How It's Used
Everyday Conversation
"He gave me a bogus check."
Business
"The company was accused of using bogus accounting practices."
Origin uncertain, possibly from a Yiddish word meaning 'false' or 'counterfeit'. It gained popularity in the US in the mid-20th century.
While the exact origins are debated, its use became more widespread in the mid-20th century, often associated with informal settings.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'bog' of lies – that's how bogus something is.
Practice
bougusbogussboges
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written