Mountebanked: meaning, definitions and examples
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mountebanked
[ ˈmaʊntɪˌbæŋk ]
deceiving others
To mountebank is to employ trickery or deception to achieve a goal, often in a persuasive or showy manner. This term is frequently associated with touting fraudulent goods or services, whether for personal gain or entertainment. The term can also describe an individual who swindles or deceives others through charisma or manipulative tactics. Mountebanking is often seen in contexts where someone uses charm to lead someone into a con or scam.
Synonyms
charlatan, con artist, fraud, swindler.
Examples of usage
- The street performer mountebanked his way into a crowd, selling dubious potions.
- He mountebanked his audience, promising miraculous results from his magic elixirs.
- She was mountebanked into investing in a false startup with fake testimonials.
Translations
Translations of the word "mountebanked" in other languages:
🇵🇹 charlatão
🇮🇳 धोखेबाज़
🇩🇪 Schwindler
🇮🇩 penipu
🇺🇦 шарлатан
🇵🇱 szarlatan
🇯🇵 詐欺師
🇫🇷 charlatan
🇪🇸 charlatán
🇹🇷 şarlatan
🇰🇷 사기꾼
🇸🇦 محتال
🇨🇿 šarlatán
🇸🇰 šarlatán
🇨🇳 骗子
🇸🇮 šarlatan
🇮🇸 svikull
🇰🇿 алаяқ
🇬🇪 შარლატანი
🇦🇿 şarlatan
🇲🇽 charlatán
Etymology
The word 'mountebank' originates from the Italian phrase 'monta in banco', which means 'to mount (or sit) on a bench'. This refers to the practice of traveling salesmen or medicine show performers who would stand on a bench or platform to attract a crowd to sell their wares. Initially coined in the 16th century, the term was used to describe those who advertised dubious medicinal products or remedies. Over time, 'mountebank' evolved to represent anyone who engages in deceitful or fraudulent behavior, often using a flair for theatricality to charm their victims. Its use has persisted in English, where it retains its historical connotations of trickery and showmanship. Today, it can describe not only con artists but also those who exaggerate claims or engage in dishonest marketing, reflecting the same blend of performance and deception that characterized its early users.