Lexicon Valley I've Been Hornswoggled!
Apr 21, 2026
A deep dive into the curious word 'hornswoggled' and how its meanings shifted over two centuries. They trace early 19th-century uses, 19th-century coercion and obstruction senses, and the 20th-century move toward 'duped.' Pop culture nods include Blazing Saddles and Willy Wonka. Listeners get etymology theories and lively anecdotes about being tricked or hindered.
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Bob's Bazaar Overpaying Story
- Bob Garfield recounts getting hornswoggled in a Jerusalem bazaar when he overpaid for a hammered silver icon by a huge margin.
- He named a price over $100, bought it, and immediately saw the same item priced at $9 at the next stall, illustrating an old-fashioned tourist rip-off.
Earliest Printed Hornswoggle Definition
- The earliest known printed instance of hornswoggle appears in an 1829 Virginia Literary Museum definition meaning to embarrass irretrievably.
- 'Embarrass' then often meant burden or obstruct, so the original sense likely included being hindered or financially impaired.
Hornswoggle's Varied 19th Century Uses
- 19th-century uses of hornswoggle vary between tricking, coercing, or obstructing depending on context.
- Examples include political manipulation (getting a Republican to run on a Democratic ticket) and advertising warnings not to be influenced into buying.