mountebank
UK: /ˈmaʊntɪbæŋk/ | US: /ˈmaʊntɪbæŋk/
n. a person who deceives others, especially by pretending to have skills or knowledge they do not possess; a charlatan or fraud.
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The word "mountebank" originates from the Italian phrase monta in banco, meaning "climb on a bench." Historically, traveling quacks or fraudsters would stand on benches in public markets to attract crowds and sell fake remedies or perform tricks. The term evolved in English to describe anyone who uses flashy or deceptive tactics to swindle others. The morphemes reflect the literal action (mounte = climb) and the platform (bank = bench) central to the charlatan's performance.
The mountebank dazzled the crowd with his smooth talk and fake elixirs.
She saw through the mountebank’s claims of miracle cures.
In the 18th century, mountebanks were common at fairs and carnivals.
His reputation as a mountebank made it hard for him to gain trust.
The documentary exposed the tactics of modern financial mountebanks.