Snake oil意思

"Snake oil" is an English phrase that refers to a product or service that is sold as a cure-all or a solution to various problems, but is in fact worthless or fraudulent. The term likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, during the era of the Wild West in the United States, when traveling salesmen would sell oils or other concoctions purported to have medicinal properties, often targeting the gullible or desperate.

The phrase "snake oil" is used metaphorically to describe something that is overly hyped, does not deliver on its promises, or is a scam. It suggests that the product or service is based on deception and is not based on any real value or effectiveness.