Episode Overview
Episode Title: hornswoggle
Podcast: Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (Merriam-Webster)
Main Theme:
The episode dives into the meaning, usage, and colorful etymology of the slang verb "hornswoggle," highlighting its role as a quirky Americanism for "to trick or deceive."
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition & Usage of "Hornswoggle"
- Spelling: “Hornswoggle” — H O R N S W O G G L E (00:29)
- Part of speech: Verb
- Meaning: To trick or deceive someone.
- Example in modern media:
“Netflix users have been warned to look out for an insidious AI powered email scam that looks nearly indistinguishable from the deal. If you have been already hornswoggled by such a scheme, Netflix advises changing your password and reaching out to your bank.”
(Read by Peter Sokolowski, 00:39)
2. Etymology and History
- Origin:
- Generally believed to have originated in the southern United States.
- Earliest record: 1829, Virginia Literary Magazine. (01:01)
- Etymological mystery:
“Hornswoggle is a slang word of some considerable mystery, at least where its etymology is concerned.”
(Peter Sokolowski, 00:49) - Regional roots:
“[The magazine] states that Hornswoggle comes from Kentucky and that its oddness matches nicely with other 19th century Americanisms such as sockdolager, absquatulate, Calathump, Slumgullian, and skedaddle.” (01:08)
- Charming basis:
The host celebrates hornswoggle as a “charming addition” to English, joining other whimsical verbs like “bamboozle” and “honeyfuggle.” (01:33)
3. Related Words & Linguistic Companions
- Companion words:
The episode draws parallels with other playful terms for trickery, such as “bamboozle” and “honeyfuggle,” underlining America’s tradition of inventive slang.
(01:36)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the word’s mysterious background:
“Hornswoggle is a slang word of some considerable mystery, at least where its etymology is concerned.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 00:49 -
On quirky American coinages:
“Its oddness matches nicely with other 19th-century Americanisms such as sockdolager, absquatulate, Calathump, Slumgullian, and skedaddle.”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:12 -
On linguistic charm:
“…a charming addition to our language, joining bamboozle and honeyfuggle as colorful ways to say 'to deceive.'”
— Peter Sokolowski, 01:33
Timestamped Highlights
- 00:29: Introduction and spelling of "hornswoggle"
- 00:39: Modern example of usage (AI-powered scam)
- 00:49–01:33: History, etymology, and related slang terms
- 01:36: Summing up the playfulness and utility of the word
Conclusion
This brief but engaging episode playfully unpacks the word “hornswoggle,” tracing its enigmatic origins, sharing a relevant modern example, and situating it among America’s most inventive and whimsical verbs for deception. The host’s tone is enthusiastic, celebrating the charm and cleverness of American slang, while inviting listeners to add a little color to their vocabulary.
For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, visit Merriam-Webster.com.