Gull

/ɡʌl/ noun

Definition

A seabird with white and gray feathers that lives near water; or as a verb, to trick or deceive someone easily.

Etymology

From Breton 'gouel' or Old Norse 'gulls,' meaning gull. The meaning 'to deceive' came later because gulls were seen as foolish birds that could be easily fooled.

Kelly Says

Gulls were considered so stupid in old folklore that calling someone a 'gull' meant they were gullible—which is why we say 'gullible' today, originally meaning 'stupid like a gull.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.