42 Slang Words That Were Popular in Past Decades But Disappeared from the World

Some say that hornswaggling is an art form… Or maybe not. In the past, the word ‘hornswoggler’ was used to mean a scammer or swindler. Originating in American English during the 19th century, ‘hornswoggler’ captured the deceptive nature of someone who tricked or cheated others for personal gain.

It’s perceived that the word derived from ‘hornswoggle’, a dialectical term meaning to hoodwink or deceive, combined with ‘swoggle’, suggesting confusion or disorientation. Whether describing a cunning con artist or a dishonest trader, ‘hornswoggler’ conveyed a sense of mistrust and caution towards individuals engaged in fraudulent activities.