flimflam

American  

[flim-flam] / ˈflɪmˌflæm /

noun

1. a trick or deception, especially a swindle or confidence game involving skillful persuasion or clever manipulation of the victim.

2. a piece of nonsense; twaddle; bosh.

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verb (used with object)

flimflammed, flimflamming

1. to trick, deceive, swindle, or cheat.

   A fortuneteller flimflammed her out of her savings.

flimflam British  

/ ˈflɪmˌflæm /

noun

1. 1. nonsense; foolishness

   2. ( as modifier )

      flimflam arguments

2. a deception; swindle

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verb

1. (tr) to deceive; trick; swindle; cheat

Other Word Forms

• flimflammer noun
• flimflammery noun

Etymology

Origin of flimflam

First recorded in 1530–40; gradational compound of expressive origin

Example Sentences

The false promise of a rare or surprisingly cheap product isn’t a new form of flimflam, but the internet sure makes it easier — especially if you’re accustomed to frequently buying online.

From New York Times

In the near past, Trump, “flimflam man and demagogue,” comes in for the most blame.

From New York Times

When his own territory wouldn’t accept this flimflam and went with Colorado, the counterfeit was applied to the new panhandle territory.

From Seattle Times

But in the end, he said, the former president proved to be a flimflam man who “put P.T. Barnum to shame.”

From Los Angeles Times

Donald Trump's lawyers put forth such a flimflam argument to open the Senate's impeachment trial that his biggest sycophants in the right-wing media didn't even bother trying to spin in the disastrous first day.

From Salon