The word codswallop, primarily a British English term meaning "nonsense",'s an interjection of uncertain origin. Popular etymology claims an ancient and vernacular origin for the word, with cod being interpreted as in codpiece. The wallop component can be referred to separately: Merriam-Webster gives it as the Middle English "walopen", meaning to gallop. Another popular etymology places the word's origins in the brewing industry. In 1876, British soft drink maker Hiram Codd designed and patented… (More on Codswallop)