Definition of skullduggery

The term "skullduggery" originated in the late 18th century in the Scottish lowlands. It derives from the Scottish dialect word "skulduggeresis," which meant crafty or cunning behavior dishonestly used to gain an advantage or deceive others. The origin of the word "skulduggeresis" is not entirely clear, but some believe it comes from the Gaelic word "sguldughadar" meaning "old woman's trick" or "old woman's craft." This could have referred to the tactics used by older women in Scots to outsmart men or competitors, such as hiding or concealing things, or deceiving others with convincing lies. By the early 19th century, the English were using "skullduggery" to refer to underhanded or dishonest practices, particularly in the context of seafaring and commerce. It was associated with pirates and smugglers, who were known for their deceitful and cunning tactics, such as disguising themselves as friendly ships or hiding goods in unexpected places. Eventually, "skullduggery" came to mean any kind of deceitful or dishonorable behavior, particularly involving criminal activity, but still retains its association with old-fashioned, cunning tactics. Today, it is commonly used in literature, philosophy, and political discourse to describe someone's questionable or nefarious actions.