ClimateAugust 8, 2026

quackery

KWAK-uh-ree

Definition

The practice of dishonest or ignorant medical pretenses, often involving unproven or fraudulent health claims.

Etymology

Derived from the Dutch 'quacksalver', meaning a 'boaster who applies salve.' It historically referred to charlatans who noisily touted their worthless medical cures.

In the news

The article uses the word in a headline regarding efforts to curb building collapse, where it refers to unprofessional or unqualified practices in the construction industry, mirroring its traditional association with fraudulent medical practice.

Ondo Gov disburses N49m to offset medical bills

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The Hope Newspaper

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