Definition

A person who deceives or tricks others, often by misleading them.

Example

The con artist was a skilled hoodwinker, always finding ways to trick his victims.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who tried to sell fake tickets to the concert?

Yeah, what a total hoodwinker!

I can't believe people still fall for those scams.

I know, right? It's always the same story with these hoodwinkers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hoodwinker → It is formed from "hood" (from Old English *hōd*, meaning a covering or head covering) and "winker" (from the verb "wink", meaning to close one eye briefly). The word describes someone who deceives or tricks others, as if covering their eyes to obscure the truth.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'hood' that covers something up and 'winking' to hide the truth — that's how a hoodwinker deceives others.

Visually Confused Words