English Explanatory Dictionary

hornswoggle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To deceive or trick.
noun
  1. nonsense; humbug

Pronunciation

/ˈhɔːn.swɒɡ.əl/ /ˈhɔɹn.swɑ.ɡəl/ en-us-hornswoggle.ogg en-au-hornswoggle.ogg

Word forms

hornswoggle hornswoggles hornswoggling hornswoggled

Etymology

Unknown, 1829 US, jocular coinage like contemporary absquatulate. Presumably horns + waggle with humorous faux ablaut or combination with wobble (compare later woggle, 1923), perhaps inspired by lassoed steers trying to escape by moving their head.

Synonyms

deceive dupe trick

Related words

woggle

Derived words

hornswoggler
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