Hoodwinked Meaning and Definition
Hoodwinked
Pronunciation
//hʊdˈwɪŋkɪd//
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To deceive or trick someone, often by using clever words or actions.
Examples
- The con artist hoodwinked the investor out of thousands of dollars.
- The salesperson tried to hoodwink the customer into buying a more expensive model.
Synonyms
- Deceive
- Trick
- Swindle
Antonyms
- Expose
- Reveal
Etymology
The word “hoodwinked” comes from the 15th-century phrase “hoodwink,” which means to deceive or cheat someone. This phrase likely originated from the Middle English words “hood” (meaning “cover” or “mask”) and “wink” (meaning “to deceive” or “to cheat”).
Usage Notes
The word “hoodwinked” is often used in informal writing and speaking, but it can also be used in formal contexts, such as legal or business settings.
Cultural References
The phrase “hoodwinked” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. One notable example is the 1979 film “Norma Rae,” in which the main character uses the phrase to describe being tricked into taking a job at a factory.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Hoodwinked but happy” (meaning to be deceived, but still happy or content)
- “Hoodwinked again” (meaning to be deceived once more)
Related Words or Phrases
- Deceive
- Trick
- Swindle
- Cheat
Collocations
- Hoodwinked by someone/something
- Trying to hoodwink someone
- Hoodwinked into doing something
Frequency of Use
The word “hoodwinked” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is often used in specific contexts, such as in discussions of deception or manipulation.
Common Misspellings
- Hudwinked
- Howd wunked
- Woodwinked