A "snake oil salesman" refers to a person who sells fraudulent goods or services, often claiming they have miraculous healing properties. The term originated in the 19th century when traveling salespeople marketed fake medicines, particularly a product called snake oil, which was advertised as a cure-all. These salesmen often used persuasive tactics to convince customers to buy their products, despite lacking any scientific backing. Today, the phrase is used more broadly to describe anyone who promotes deceptive or unproven products, especially in the realms of health and wellness. The legacy of the snake oil salesman serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating claims made by marketers.