Table of Contents
The word for today is…
bamboozle (verb):
1 : to deceive by underhanded methods
2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely
Source : Merriam -Webster
Etymology : In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on “the continual Corruption of our English Tongue” in which he complained of “the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows.” Among the inventions Swift disliked was bamboozle, which was used by contemporary criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the word has clearly defied Swift’s assertion that “All new affected Modes of Speech … are the first perishing Parts in any Language.”
If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.
