hornswoggle

American  

[hawrn-swog-uhl] / ˈhɔrnˌswɒg əl /

verb (used with object)

Slang.

hornswoggled, hornswoggling

1. to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.

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hornswoggle British  

/ ˈhɔːnˌswɒɡəl /

verb

1. slang (tr) to cheat or trick; bamboozle

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Usage

Where does hornswoggle come from? Hornswoggle, as noted in our definition above, means "to swindle, cheat, or hoax." But, it would be cheating for us to say we know where hornswoggle comes from exactly. Its earliest known appearance so far is in the U.S. around 1815–25.Is hornswoggle supposed to sound like some hullabaloo from some sort of trumpet? Did a hog get all washed up? Well, sometimes nonsense words are just that—nonsense. Ultimately, hornswoggle is probably just a fanciful, funny formation.Many more amusing Americanisms await in our slideshow "These Wacky Words Originated In The USA."

Etymology

Origin of hornswoggle

1815–25 origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Nearly 250 years later, as we continue to debate what the Founders intended, we may find at times that we’ve been led astray by legend, hornswoggled by hand-me-down history.

From Los Angeles Times

His ability to hornswoggle tens of millions of voters is no laughing matter.

From Washington Post

Or, had President Trump hornswoggled multiple Congressional leaders, hundreds of Congressional Republicans and key players in his administration into believing he would sign this particular package?

From Fox News

Here are some things you can do afterward to see if you’ve been hornswoggled: Check the font of the logo.

From Golf Digest

The only sensible conclusion from all of this is that the superrich will settle, plead or hornswoggle their way out of any attempt to cancel their status.

From Washington Post