snake oil

• Abwertende Bezeichnung für ein Produkt, Mittel oder eine Idee, die betrügerisch als Wundermittel angepriesen wird; oft für täuschende oder unwirksame Lösungen verwendet, besonders im Gesundheits- oder Geschäftsbereich.

A term for a product, remedy, or idea that is fraudulently marketed as having miraculous benefits, often used to describe deceptive or ineffective solutions, especially in health or business contexts.

1. Fraudulent productB2informalamerican

   A product, especially a medicine or remedy, that is sold as effective but is actually fake or useless.

   Scharlatanerie

   • The salesman was selling snake oil, claiming it cured all diseases.
   • Don't believe those ads; it's just snake oil.
   • Many weight-loss supplements are nothing but snake oil.

2. Deceptive marketingC1informalamerican

   Any type of deceptive or misleading promotion, especially in business or politics.

   Täuschendes Marketing

   • The politician's promises turned out to be snake oil.
   • The company's new product was just snake oil, with no real benefits.
   • He's a master of snake oil, convincing people to invest in scams.