Bamboozle is a verb meaning to deceive, dupe, or thoroughly confuse someone. Its exact origin is unknown, but it has been used to describe deception for over 300 years.
Bamboozle is a verb meaning to deceive, dupe, or confuse someone through underhanded methods. Its origins are mysterious, but it has been used to describe deceptive tactics since the early 18th century.
| Word | bamboozle |
|---|---|
| Date | December 7, 2016 |
| Type | verb |
| Syllables | bam-BOO-zul |
| Etymology | In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on "the continual Corruption of our English Tongue" in which he complained of "the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows." Among the inventions Swift disliked were bamboozle, bubble (a dupe), put (a fool), and sham. (Perhaps he objected to the use of sham as a verb; he himself had used the adjective meaning "false" a couple of years previously.) What all these words appear to have in common is a connection to the underworld as jargon of criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the over-300-year-old word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech . . . are the first perishing Parts in any Language." |
| Examples | "Some consumers are so bamboozled by slick sales talk that they pay extra for amazingly bad deals. Just one example, a $49.99, four-year service plan on a DVD player that sells for $39.99." — Mike McClintock, The Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2009 "We agree with those who filed the suits challenging the wording of the ballot question. We believe it is deceitful—and deliberately so, designed to bamboozle voters into thinking they are voting on a minor issue that simply codifies existing law instead of adding five years to a judge's term." — The Philadelphia Daily News, 10 Oct. 2016 |
| Definition | 1 : to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink 2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely |
Tags: wordoftheday::verb
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