What is hokum? How to use in English

The origin of the word "hokum" can be traced back to the early 19th century in the southeastern United States. This term, which refers to nonsensical or meaningless talk, is believed to have originated from the Gullah language, a creole dialect spoken by African slaves and their descendants in coastal areas of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The exact origins of the Gullah language are unclear, but it is thought to have developed as a mixture of West African languages, English, and Portuguese. The word "hokum" is believed to have been derived from the Gullah word "hokum-hokum," which was used to describe elaborate and fanciful tales that were told during social gatherings. The meaning of "hokum-hokum" is not entirely clear, but it is generally interpreted to mean "nonsense" or "fantasy." The word was popularized in broader American English by Mark Twain in his novel "Life on the Mississippi," where it was used to describe the exaggerated stories told by riverboat captains to entertain their passengers. Today, the word "hokum" is still used in American English to describe overly complex or convoluted explanations that are intended to deceive or impress others. Its origins in the Gullah language serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and linguistic innovations that emerged from the African diaspora in the United States.