What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bah
Example
Bah! I can't believe they canceled the concert at the last minute. [bah: interjection]
Example
He bahed at the idea of going camping in the rain. [bahed: past tense]
humbug
Example
The salesman's promises turned out to be nothing but humbug. [humbug: noun]
Example
She humbugged her way into getting free drinks all night. [humbugged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bah is more commonly used than humbug in everyday language. Bah is a more widely recognized expression, while humbug is often associated with the famous line 'Bah, humbug!' from Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bah and humbug?
While bah is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, humbug has a slightly more formal or literary connotation. Humbug is often used in the context of discussing deceit or insincerity, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations.
