Definition of fob off

The expression "fob off" originated in the mid-1800s in Britain, particularly within the watchmaking industry. "Fob watch" referred to a type of pocket watch that was small and compact, designed to be worn on a chain called a fob. The term "fobbing" was initially used to describe the process of passing off inferior watches as genuine fobs by fraudulently stamping them with the name of a well-known manufacturer. This deception was also known as "fobbing," or "fobbing it all," which referred to fobbing off people in general. The verb "to fob" came to mean deceiving or tricking someone, especially by offering them something insignificant in lieu of something of value. This usage of "to fob" became popular beyond the watchmaking industry and became a common colloquialism in British English by the late 1800s. In American English, the expression "fob off" gained popularity in the early 1900s and refers to dismissing or removing something unwanted, usually as an excuse or diversion. It can also be used to describe someone who makes false promises or tries to evade responsibility by deceiving others. In summary, "fob off" originated in the watchmaking industry as a result of fraudulent practices, but has since become a widely used expression in both British and American English to describe deception and excusing something of lesser value for something more beneficial.