Bamboozle - plus, do you really know how to use the subjunctive in English?

[Merriam-Webster] WORD OF THE DAY [December 7, 2016] bamboozle [Audio pronunciation] verb | bam-BOO-zul Definition 1 : to deceive by underhanded methods : [dupe], [hoodwink] 2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely Scroll down for more about bamboozle WORD GAMES AND QUIZZES: WEEKLY CHALLENGE [Difficult Spelling Words II] 15 more tricky words to spell. [PLAY NOW] Nailed this quiz? We have plenty more to try! [TAKE ME THERE [>]] Plus: [SEE WHAT LOOKUPS ARE TRENDING NOW! [>]] Did You Know? 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." Among the inventions Swift disliked were bamboozle, bubble (a dupe), put (a fool), and sham. (Perhaps he objected to the use of [sham] as a verb; he himself had used the adjective meaning "false" a couple of years previously.) What all these words appear to have in common is a connection to the underworld as jargon of criminals. Other than that, the origin of bamboozle remains a mystery, but the over-300-year-old word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech . . . are the first perishing Parts in any Language." Examples of BAMBOOZLE "Some consumers are so bamboozled by slick sales talk that they pay extra for amazingly bad deals. Just one example, a $49.99, four-year service plan on a DVD player that sells for $39.99." — Mike McClintock, The Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2009 "We agree with those who filed the suits challenging the wording of the ballot question. We believe it is deceitful—and deliberately so, designed to bamboozle voters into thinking they are voting on a minor issue that simply codifies existing law instead of adding five years to a judge's term." — The Philadelphia Daily News, 10 Oct. 2016 Name That Synonym Fill in the blanks to complete this synonym of bamboozle: h _ r _ s _ og _ _ e. [VIEW THE ANSWER [>]] ASK THE EDITOR How to Use the Subjunctive in English If I were you, I'd watch this. [WATCH OUR VIDEO NOW [>]] MORE WORD FUN: [WORD GAMES [>]] [TRENDING NOW [>]] [WORDS AT PLAY [>]] FOLLOW US: [Facebook] [Twitter] [YouTube] [Instagram] [Pinterest] SHARE: [Facebook][Facebook] [Twitter][Twitter] [View this email in a web browser] You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day. [Unsubscribe from Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day] [Manage your subscription settings] Merriam-Webster, Inc. 47 Federal Street P.O. Box 281 Springfield, MA 01102 [www.merriam-webster.com]