en
hokum
/ˈhoʊkəm/
Definition
1
Nonsense, bunkum, or rubbish; something patently false or pretentious.
2
A contrived or sentimental plot element in drama, literature, or film designed to manipulate emotions.
Examples
The salesman's pitch about miracle weight-loss gum was pure hokum, but Grandma bought three boxes anyway.
That viral video claiming cats secretly run the world? Classic internet hokum.
His excuse for missing the deadline—a rogue flock of pigeons stole his laptop—was hokum of the highest order.
The movie's tear-jerking reunion scene felt like recycled hokum from a bad soap opera.