What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bamboozle
Example
He tried to bamboozle me with his elaborate story, but I saw through his lies. [bamboozle: verb]
Example
The magician's tricks were so impressive that they completely bamboozled the audience. [bamboozled: past tense]
dupe
Example
She was a dupe for falling for his false promises. [dupe: noun]
Example
The con artist managed to dupe many people into investing in his fake business. [dupe: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bamboozle is less common than dupe in everyday language. Dupe is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bamboozle is less frequently used and often associated with informal or colloquial speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bamboozle and dupe?
While bamboozle is typically used in informal or colloquial contexts, dupe is considered more formal and can be used in both formal and informal situations.