hoax — a humorous or malicious deception; a false story or warning
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a humorous or malicious deception; a false story or warning
Pronunciation (IPA): /hoʊks/
Example Sentences
- My brother convinced me that chocolate milk comes from brown cows - what a hoax!
- The bomb threat was just a hoax to get out of the exam.
- She posted a hoax about free pizza, and half the school showed up!
hoax
NOUN[/hoʊks/]
a humorous or malicious deception; a false story or warning
The 'ghost photo' turned out to be a hoax staged with a bedsheet.
HO(hologram) + AX(axe) — by projecting a glowing HO(hologram) of a flying AX(axe), the prankster created a terrifying hoax.
To coax the tourists into buying tickets, the greedy man built a cheap dinosaur hoax.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'hoax' originated in the late 17th century, likely from a contraction of the phrase 'hocus pocus,' which was used by magicians and performers. It may also be influenced by the interjection 'hocus,' used to create an illusion of magic or deception.
Breakdown
hoax (noun) - from 'hocus pocus' (a magician's incantation) contracted and simplified = hoax (a deceptive trick or false story)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My brother convinced me that chocolate milk comes from brown cows - what a hoax!”
“The bomb threat was just a hoax to get out of the exam.”
“She posted a hoax about free pizza, and half the school showed up!”
“The UFO sighting turned out to be an elaborate hoax.”
📚Related Words
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