Skullduggery: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ
Add to dictionary

skullduggery

 

[ หŒskสŒlหˆdสŒษกษ™ri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

deceitful behavior

Skullduggery refers to dishonesty or deceitful behavior, particularly involving trickery or underhanded tactics. It is often used to describe actions that are not just unethical but also secretive and deceitful in nature. The term suggests a level of cunning and craftiness, often in pursuit of personal gain or to achieve a goal through unscrupulous methods. Skullduggery can occur in various contexts, including politics, business, or personal relationships.

Synonyms

deceit, fraud, trickery, underhandedness

Examples of usage

  • The politician was accused of skullduggery in his campaign.
  • There was a lot of skullduggery among the rival companies.
  • The deal was marked by skullduggery and backroom negotiations.

Translations

Translations of the word "skullduggery" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น artimanha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเฅ‹เค–เคพเคงเคกเคผเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Intrige

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tipu daya

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัั‚ัƒะฟะฝั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ podstฤ™p

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้™ฐ่ฌ€

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท manigance

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ trampa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรผzenbazlฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Œ๋ชจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุฏุงุน

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ intriga

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ intriga

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้˜ด่ฐ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ intriga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ svik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะฐัา›ั‚ั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒขแƒงแƒฃแƒแƒ แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aldadฤฑcฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ trampa

Etymology

The word 'skullduggery' has an interesting origin, believed to be derived from the term 'skulldug,' which dates back to the 19th century in the United States. Its precise derivation is uncertain, but it may have roots in the Scottish word 'skellum,' meaning a scoundrel or rogue. The term began to gain traction in American English, often associated with political or financial deception. By the mid-20th century, 'skullduggery' had entered common parlance, especially in contexts discussing unscrupulous activities. The playful and somewhat whimsical sound of the word also contributed to its popularity, making it a colorful way to describe nefarious actions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,105, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.