"Snake oil" refers to products that are marketed as miraculous cures or remedies but lack scientific evidence to support their claims. The term originated in the 19th century when traveling salesmen sold dubious medicines, often claiming they could cure various ailments. These products were typically ineffective and sometimes harmful. Today, "snake oil" is used metaphorically to describe any fraudulent or deceptive product, especially in the health and wellness industry. It serves as a warning against believing in unproven treatments and highlights the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when evaluating claims related to health, such as those made by quack doctors or pseudoscience.