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

Explanation

Looking for a colorful Americanism to describe how you've just been deceived out of all your money? Say you've been hornswoggled! American English has a rich array of verbs to refer to swindling someone, like bamboozle, hoodwink, and humbug. Hornswoggle is one that's particularly fun to say. According to one story, the word comes from the way that a lassoed cow would move its head back and forth to try to break free. But most dictionaries simply say its origin is unknown, so let's just thank the anonymous 19th-century American wit who came up with this ridiculous word.

Example Sentences

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 • Sep. 17, 2019

Music business compromise can be disheartening, but it is not without its perks: It can bolster an artist’s ego, provide financial succor, hornswoggle the masses.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2017

Then you also have good reason to take in this entertaining hornswoggle of a movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2016

The slick city men hornswoggle him when he plays the stock market.

From Time Magazine Archive

But don't forget, boys, when you-all want me to hornswoggle Wall Street another flutter, all you-all have to do is whisper the word.

From Burning Daylight by London, Jack