Word: hokum
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Dates: during 1920-1929
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...Hokum" is defined by general consent of the show world as any aged but infallible situation, action or remark which will reduce an audience to laughter, tension or tears...
Where the word "hokum" came from is clear enough. "Hocus pocus" is a veteran in good standing, meaning " to trick, sham or cheat." Obviously it crept into the theatrical vocabulary through the realization that presenting a new play, skit or act full of old stuff is in a sense cheating the audience...
Assiduous readers of metropolitan theatrical intelligence have found the word "hokum" firmly embedded in the critical vocabulary. Those unfamiliar with theatrical esoterics may be mystified by its repeated reappearance. It obviously contains an uncomplimentary flavor; its meaning may be a trifle vague. It is so often used that it seems to become a generic condemnation of a multitude of theatrical sins...
...obvious, then, why dramatic critics delight in impaling a squirming situation on their argute pens and holding it up for ridicule with delighted cries of " hokum." A show that is " all hoked up " is obviously the work of a group of playwright, author and producer who lack imagination. They are feeding the audience last year's fare warmed over...
ZANDER THE GREAT?Showing that bootleggers will be bootleggers in Arizona as in Harlem?and a little tot can reform any evil character in the American drama, especially when assisted by some gorgeous acting on the part of Alice Brady. Hokum...