Where does the word malarkey come from?

The word "malarkey" is believed to have originated in Irish slang and was first recorded in the early 20th century.

While its exact origin is uncertain, here are some possible explanations:

* "Malarkey" might have been a corruption of the Irish Gaelic phrase "milse mo laoch" meaning "sweetheart" or "my darling." This is a playful term, and it might have been used ironically to refer to nonsense or foolishness.

* Another possibility is that it came from the Irish word "mala" meaning "bad" or "evil." This would make sense, as "malarkey" is often used to describe something that is false or misleading.

* Some argue that it might have been a corruption of the Irish Gaelic phrase "maol-áire" meaning "bald calculation" or "foolishness."

Ultimately, the true etymology of "malarkey" remains uncertain, but its Irish origins are generally accepted.