Homonym: Snake Oil (Deception)
"Snake oil" originally referred to a traditional Chinese medicine made from the oil of the Chinese water snake, believed to have healing properties. In the 19th century, it became associated with traveling salesmen who sold dubious remedies, often claiming miraculous health benefits without scientific backing.
Today, the term "snake oil" is used metaphorically to describe any product or service that is marketed as a cure-all but lacks evidence or effectiveness. It highlights the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating health claims and products in the marketplace.