What does trickery mean?
Trickery means the deliberate use of deception, dishonesty, or misleading tactics to obtain a desired result. The word is especially common in journalism, politics, and formal criticism, where it describes methods intended to mislead or gain an unfair advantage: political trickery, commercial trickery, or trickery in an agreement. It can also have a broader meaning of cunning or craftiness, sometimes with a less condemnatory tone when the deception is playful. In most contexts, however, the word carries a negative implication, suggesting manipulation rather than harmless ingenuity. Because it usually refers to a practice or pattern of conduct, trickery is generally used as an uncountable noun, although “trickeries” is grammatically possible and appears occasionally when individual instances are being discussed. The word is related to “trick” and is especially useful for describing deception as a broader strategy rather than a single deceptive act.
nounTrickery is the deliberate use of deception, dishonest maneuvering, or misleading tactics to achieve an end. It can also refer more generally to cunning or crafty behavior, especially when intended to deceive.
- The use of deception or dishonest tactics to achieve an end.
- Cunning, crafty, or misleading behavior in general.
"The report accused the politician of using trickery to avoid answering difficult questions."
"The company was accused of trickery in its use of customers' personal information."
"His quick wit and verbal trickery made him entertaining, though not always trustworthy."
The plural is possible but rare; “trickery” is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The article lists the trickeries used by both campaigns to influence voters."
Trickery turns deception into a method: the word combines “trick” with the suffix “-ery,” naming not just a dishonest act but a whole practice of crafty manipulation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trickery come from?
“Trickery” was formed in English from “trick” plus the suffix “-ery,” a combination that appeared in the early modern period. “Trick” itself entered English from Old French “triquer,” meaning to deceive or cheat; its deeper origin is uncertain, though Germanic roots have been proposed. The related English word “trickster” also reflects the older tradition of deception and crafty behavior associated with the same root.
How trickery is actually used
Trickery is usually uncountable and carries a strongly negative or disapproving connotation. It is common in formal reporting and political commentary, while “trickery” in more literary contexts may suggest playful or ingenious deception.
Easily confused with trickery
A trick is a specific deceptive act, device, or maneuver, whereas trickery is deceptive conduct or the general practice of being deceptive.