catfish
catfish Lexical Profile
catfish Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of a diverse order (Siluriformes) of predominantly freshwater ray-finned fishes found worldwide, characterized by smooth scaleless skin and long, whisker-like sensory barbels around the mouth.
"The angler pulled a large channel catfish from the muddy bottom of the river."
The mild, firm flesh of this fish eaten as food, often battered with cornmeal and fried in the cuisine of the southern United States.
"The diner specializes in fried catfish served with hushpuppies and coleslaw."
A person who sets up a false personal profile on a social networking site or dating app to deceive others, typically to lure someone into a fraudulent romantic relationship.
"After months of messaging online, he realized his virtual partner was actually a catfish using stolen photos."
• verb
To lure or deceive (someone) into an online relationship by adopting a fictional persona on social media or a dating platform.
"She discovered that a classmate had been catfishing her with a fake social media account."
To fish for or catch catfish in a river, lake, or pond.
"They spent the warm summer evening catfishing along the banks of the Mississippi River."
• Rhymes for catfish
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 17th century as a compound of 'cat' and 'fish', referencing the prominent, whisker-like sensory barbels around the fish's mouth. The modern sense of online deception was popularized by the 2010 documentary film 'Catfish'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.