Bamboozle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /bæm.ˈbuː.zÉ™l/

Origin

Derivative of 17th century vernacular "bam" (to trick, to con), which is a derivative of "bam" in noun use (fraudster, cheat). Further etymology Unknown.

Full definition of bamboozle

Verb

1. (informal) To con, defraud, trick, to make a fool of, to humbug or impose on someone.
• 1851, Herman Melville, ,“Look here, friend,” said I, “if you have anything important to tell us, out with it; but if you are only trying to bamboozle us, you are mistaken in your game; that’s all I have to say.”