Fogle

/ˈfoʊɡəl/ noun

Definition

A handkerchief or light scarf, especially one used by pickpockets; an old term for a dupe or easily tricked person.

Etymology

From 19th-century slang, possibly from German 'Vogel' (bird) with the sense of 'easy prey,' or from Hindi origins. Used by thieves and criminals.

Kelly Says

This Victorian slang word reveals that pickpockets had whole coded vocabularies—'fogle' meant both their tool and their victims, showing how language reflects criminal history!

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