catfish
UK: ˈkatfɪʃ | US: ˈkætˌfɪʃ
n. a freshwater or marine fish with whisker-like barbels around the mouth, resembling a cat's whiskers.
n. (informal) a person who creates a fake identity online to deceive others.
catfish = cat<feline> + fish<aquatic animal>
- cat: Derived from Old English catt, referring to the domestic feline. The barbels of the fish resemble a cat's whiskers.
- fish: From Old English fisc, meaning an aquatic vertebrate.
Etymology Origin:
The term catfish originated in the 17th century, named for the fish's prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers. The metaphorical use (deceptive online persona) emerged in the early 2000s, popularized by the 2010 documentary Catfish, which explored such deception. The logic ties the fish's camouflaging nature to hidden identities.
The Mississippi River is home to large channel catfish.
He caught a massive catfish during his fishing trip.
Be cautious online—you might be talking to a catfish.
The documentary exposed her as a catfish who fabricated her entire life.
Catfish are bottom feeders, often found in muddy waters.