snake oil

noun

1. any of various liquid concoctions of questionable medical value sold as an all-purpose curative, especially by traveling hucksters.

2. Slang.,  deceptive talk or actions; hooey; bunkum.

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

Other Word Forms

• snake-oil adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snake oil¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

see under banana oil.

Example Sentences

When Goop debuted, it sometimes felt like snake oil.

From Salon

A certain snake oil salesman ensured that would be impossible.

From Salon

After Mamdani's win, however, perhaps sensing a greater threat, Adams - who is running for mayor as an independent in November - called him a "snake oil salesman".

From BBC

The movie works only because it's ruthless in its portrayal of the ego delusion that fuels so much of Silicon Valley's C-suites, as the tech industry enters its snake oil phase.

From Salon

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

From Salon

Related Words

• nostrum