Synonyms

snake oil

American

noun

any of various liquid concoctions of questionable medical value sold as an all-purpose curative, especially by traveling hucksters.
Slang. deceptive talk or actions; hooey; bunkum.

The governor promised to lower taxes, but it was the same old snake oil.

snake oil Idioms

see under banana oil.

Other Word Forms

snake-oil adjective

Etymology

Origin of snake oil

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Apple Cider Vinegar” hammers across – subconsciously, granted — the notion of shared culpability between the medical profession and snake oil wellness peddlers.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2025

Then, these same brands dutifully patent an expensive snake oil antidote for poisoning you.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2024

Some users say the device works, others suggest it’s snake oil.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

But it’s not like personalized medicine is astrology or snake oil.

From Scientific American • Sep. 28, 2023

Two weeks after her burial, Rose’s husband arrived loaded with ingots of gold for the children, two-dollar pieces for the women and snake oil for the men.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023