hodgepodge

/ˈhɒdʒˌpɒdʒ/

Group 9Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(noun)
A confused mixture; a jumble
GRE

Example in Context

The legislation was a hodgepodge of unrelated provisions, cobbled together to secure enough votes for passage.

Synonyms

mixjumblemishmash

Etymology

A nickname implying a mixed bag of things; a jumble.

  • hodge (Old English) — a nickname
  • podge (unknown) — a mixture

Memory Aid

🍲Sounds like “hodge-podge

A HODGE of ingredients thrown into a pot, creating a PODGE of chaotic flavors!

Visual Association

🥘A bubbling stew pot overflowing with every imaginable ingredient, looking utterly chaotic.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “hodgepodge” mean on the GRE?

hodgepodge (noun) means “A confused mixture; a jumble”. The legislation was a hodgepodge of unrelated provisions, cobbled together to secure enough votes for passage.

How to remember “hodgepodge” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “hodgepodge” sounds like “hodge-podge”. A HODGE of ingredients thrown into a pot, creating a PODGE of chaotic flavors!

What are synonyms for “hodgepodge”?

Common synonyms: mix, jumble, mishmash.