snake oil
Americannoun
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any of various liquid concoctions of questionable medical value sold as an all-purpose curative, especially by traveling hucksters.
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Slang. deceptive talk or actions; hooey; bunkum.
The governor promised to lower taxes, but it was the same old snake oil.
Other Word Forms
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.
He does know how to make money selling snake oil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
The flip side is that it’s hard to determine which products and services are likely to pay off medically versus the snake oil.
From Barron's ● May 21, 2026
For five of its six episodes “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
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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
