Malarky vs. Malarkey — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Malarky" and "malarkey" are two spellings of the same word meaning nonsense or foolish talk. "Malarkey" is the standard and more widely accepted spelling.
Difference Between Malarky and Malarkey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Malarky" is an alternate spelling of "malarkey," both describing statements that are silly or insincere. "Malarkey" is the standard spelling found in most dictionaries, while "malarky" is less common but understood to convey the same meaning.
"Malarkey" often appears in conversations or writings to dismiss exaggerated or deceptive claims. On the other hand, "malarky" is simply a variation of this word that occasionally appears, possibly due to phonetic spelling.
Despite the differences in spelling, both forms convey disbelief in the validity of a claim or suggest that something is untrue. However, "malarkey" is more recognized and used in formal contexts, while "malarky" might be seen as a spelling mistake.
Although "malarky" is occasionally used informally, "malarkey" is the preferred choice, especially in writing, due to its established recognition.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Nonsense, foolish talk
Nonsense, foolish talk
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Usage Frequency
Less common
More common
Standard Spelling
No
Yes
Formal Contexts
Less accepted
More accepted
Example Sentences
"That's a bunch of malarky!"
"He dismissed the claim as malarkey."
Compare with Definitions
Malarky
Can describe something misleading or deceitful.
All that malarky about easy money is just a scam.
Malarkey
Nonsense or trivial talk.
His explanation sounded like pure malarkey.
Malarky
Alternate spelling of "malarkey," meaning nonsense or empty talk.
The advertisement is full of malarky.
Malarkey
A term to dismiss unreliable statements.
Don't waste time with all that malarkey.
Malarky
Used to imply something unbelievable or exaggerated.
The rumors about aliens were just malarky.
Malarkey
Statements intended to deceive or mislead.
The politician's speech was full of malarkey.
Malarky
Employed to express skepticism or disbelief.
He called their promises malarky.
Malarkey
Something unbelievable or exaggerated.
She told me some malarkey about ghosts.
Malarky
Informal, phonetically spelled form of "malarkey."
Don't believe that malarky; it's all lies.
Malarkey
An informal expression for false information.
The article contained more malarkey than facts.
Malarky
Malarky is a trivia game that incorporates bluffing into the gameplay. It was developed by Rocco "Ernie" Capobianco, a Dallas advertising executive, and David Feldman, the maker of the Imponderables novels, and published by Patch Products in 1997.
Malarkey
Exaggerated or foolish talk, usually intended to deceive
"snookered by a lot of malarkey" (New Republic).
Malarky
Exaggerated or foolish talk, usually intended to deceive
"snookered by a lot of malarkey" (New Republic).
Malarkey
Nonsense; rubbish.
I decided it was a bunch of malarkey and stopped reading about halfway through.
Malarky
Alternative spelling of malarkey
Common Curiosities
Is "malarkey" or "malarky" correct?
"Malarkey" is the standard and correct spelling, while "malarky" is a less common variant.
What does "malarky" mean?
"Malarky" is an alternate spelling of "malarkey," meaning nonsense or foolish talk.
How is "malarkey" used in a sentence?
"Malarkey" is often used to dismiss claims or statements as untrue, e.g., "His promises are pure malarkey."
Where does "malarkey" come from?
The origin is uncertain, but it's believed to have American English roots, possibly of Irish origin.
Is "malarkey" considered rude?
It generally isn't rude but may suggest disbelief in someone's statements.
Is "malarky" widely recognized?
While it is recognized, "malarky" is much less commonly used and is often considered a misspelling.
Can "malarkey" refer to deliberate lies?
Yes, "malarkey" often implies intentional deception or exaggeration.
Is "malarkey" formal or informal?
It is mostly informal, used in everyday conversation to describe nonsense.
When should "malarkey" be used?
Use "malarkey" when referring to statements that seem exaggerated, false, or misleading.
Can "malarkey" be used in formal writing?
It is primarily informal and better suited for casual contexts.
Does "malarkey" have synonyms?
Yes, synonyms include "nonsense," "baloney," and "hogwash."
Is "malarky" incorrect?
It's not entirely incorrect, but "malarkey" is the standard and preferred spelling.
Is "malarkey" used globally?
Yes, it's understood and used globally, though mostly in English-speaking regions.
Can "malarkey" describe harmless jokes?
Yes, it can be used lightheartedly to describe playful or harmless exaggerations.
Why is "malarkey" preferred over "malarky"?
"Malarkey" is more widely accepted due to its consistent appearance in dictionaries and common usage.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
