rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhodgepodgeConfused mixture
noun

hodgepodge

HAJ-paj/ˈhɑːdʒpɑːdʒ/

A confused mixture of different things.

The box contains a tangled hodgepodge of unrelated household objects.

A shallow open box overflowing with a tangled, unsorted assortment of unrelated household objects, emphasizing confused mixture rather than a coordinated collection.
Etymology
hodgepodgeOld Frenchstew, soup

Old French hochepot meant a stew or soup. A dish combining many ingredients supplied the image for a confused mixture of otherwise unrelated things.

In context

FRONTLINE PBS | Official3:33
have put a short-term hold on all evictions, but protections are hodgepodge. >> A patchwork of eviction policies that vary by state.
Facing Eviction (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

More examples

  • The proposal is a hodgepodge of unrelated ideas.
  • Their living room contains a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture.
  • Drivers face a confusing hodgepodge of local parking rules.

Forms

hodgepodge · hodgepodges

Similar words

mishmash
Similarly suggests a confused mixture, often of poorly matched elements.
jumble
Emphasizes disorder more than the variety of things mixed.
medley
Suggests variety without necessarily implying confusion or poor organization.