Final answer:
Synonyms such as balderdash, hogwash, tommyrot, and slaver are used to describe absurdly false or nonsensical statements, often seen as deliberately misleading.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms balderdash, hogwash, tommyrot, and slaver are synonyms that can be used to describe statements or ideas that are inadequate to the facts, highly confused, or mixed with error and nonsense. These words often imply that the content in question is not just wrong, but absurdly so, and possibly meant to deceive or mislead. The reference to an author like Columella, who advised against listening to soothsayers and witches who spread false superstitions, aligns with the disdain for information or narratives that are not just incorrect but are also subject to change over time and could be considered frivolous. Moreover, the excerpt conveying a person's resolve to believe in seemingly implausible stories reminds us that even the most unbelievable tales can sometimes hold an element of truth, challenging the listener to maintain an open mind.