bamboozle
verb
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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." (Note that pretty originally meant "artful, clever.") Among the inventions Swift disliked was bamboozle, which was used by contemporary criminals. Beyond those who favored the word, little is known of its early days, but the word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech ... are the first perishing Parts in any Language." With its first syllable like a sound effect, bamboozle hints at mystification or magic when it is used to mean "to confuse, frustrate, or perplex," as in "The batters were bamboozled by the pitcher's dazzling curveball."
Examples of bamboozle in a Sentence
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025
These are some red flags to look for and tips to protect yourself from getting bamboozled.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
Kostyuk, however, spotted the opportunity with Blinkova behind the baseline to close out a 6-2, 6-1 win, completely bamboozling her opponent one last time in the process.
—Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
These are some red flags to look for and tips to protect yourself from getting bamboozled.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bamboozle
Cite this Entry
“Bamboozle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bamboozle. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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