Gulled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'gulled' comes from the word 'gull', which originally referred to a type of bird known for its loud cries and association with trickery.
• It has been used since the 16th century, deriving from the Middle English term ‘gullen’, meaning to swallow or devour.
• In nautical terms, sailors used it to describe being hoodwinked, influenced by the gull's behavior of stealing food.

Psychology

• Research shows that people are more likely to be gulled when they are tired or distracted, as their critical thinking skills diminish.
• Cognitive biases, like the confirmation bias, can lead individuals to ignore conflicting information, making them more susceptible to deception.
• The word 'gullible' stems from the same root. It describes individuals who often fall prey to tricks and scams.

Pop Culture

• In literature, con artists frequently employ tricks to gull their victims, showcasing the complexities of trust and deception.
• Films and TV shows often portray characters being gulled as a comedic device, demonstrating the absurdity of their trust.
• The phrase 'to be gulled' can be found in various popular songs and references, often exemplifying themes of betrayal.

History

• Historical swindlers and con artists have used deception to gull wealthy individuals for centuries, known as ‘con games’.
• In the 18th and 19th centuries, many Americans were gulled by land speculators, leading to scams worth thousands of dollars.
• Literature from the past often explores how people have been gulled by false promises, warning against the dangers of greed.

Literature

• Shakespeare used the notion of being gulled in multiple works, highlighting the folly of trusting the untrustworthy.
• In Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', characters demonstrate how easily one can be gulled due to their naivety.
• Many fables and fairy tales, intended for children, often include plots where characters are gulled to teach moral lessons about trust and wisdom.