Word of the Day: “Bamboozle”

v., transitive

1. To deceive or defraud: TRICK, HOODWINK

2. To serve appetizers on a sustainable bamboo trays.

The word bamboozle dates back to the 18th century, when Europeans in the Far East would trade for valuable gems and other rarities. Malaysian craftsman were notorious for selling cut-rate bamboo appetizer trays at outrages prices. Captain Finneus Lark of the Indiaman Swiftsure wrote in his journal in 1713:

“The covetous Malay’s wares proved Shoddy! We were not four-and-twenty Days out of Kuching before their Surface was spoilt entirely. I have been Bamboo-zelled, and my Shame knows no end.”

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