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⇱ snake oil - WordReference.com Dictionary of English

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snake oil

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WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

snake′ oil′,

any of various liquid concoctions of questionable medical value sold as an all-purpose curative, esp. by traveling hucksters.
Slang Termsdeceptive talk or actions;
hooey;
bunkum:The governor promised to lower taxes, but it was the same old snake oil.

1925–30, American.

snake′-oil′, adj.

🗣️Forum discussions with the word(s) "snake oil" in the title:

snake oil salesman
snake-oil
Word got out about the snake oil. Time to move to a new town

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