bamboozle

UK: bæmˈbuː.zəl | US: bæmˈbuː.zəl

Definition

  1. vt. to deceive or trick someone through elaborate or confusing means

  2. vt. to perplex or baffle someone intentionally

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "bamboozle" first appeared in English around 1700, likely as slang or cant (a secret language used by marginalized groups). Its exact origins are uncertain, but it may have been influenced by:

  1. Scottish "bombaze" (to perplex) or French "embobiner" (to trick).
  2. Playful reduplication (repeating sounds for effect, like "hocus-pocus") to evoke confusion or trickery.
    Unlike many Latinate or Greek-derived words, "bamboozle" resists neat morpheme breakdowns, reflecting its colloquial and whimsical roots.
Examples

  1. The salesman tried to bamboozle me with fake discounts.

  2. Don’t let them bamboozle you into signing a bad contract.

  3. His explanation only served to bamboozle the audience further.

  4. The magician’s act was designed to bamboozle even the sharpest observers.

  5. She felt bamboozled after realizing the "free trial" required a credit card.