Peddle

/ˈpɛdəl/ verb

Definition

To sell goods from place to place, usually in small quantities; or to promote or distribute something, especially something questionable.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch 'peddelen' or from 'peddler' (a traveling merchant). The word has been used since the 16th century for people who travel selling wares, and evolved to mean promoting ideas with the same persistence.

Kelly Says

A peddler originally walked from door to door selling stuff, but now 'peddle' often means spreading misinformation—politicians 'peddle fear,' companies 'peddle junk,' and it's interesting how the word shifted from just 'selling' to 'selling something bad or dishonest.'

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