peddle
UK[ˈpɛdl]US[ˈpɛdl]
v
To try to sell goods, especially by taking them to different places.
v
To try to persuade people to accept an idea, opinion, or piece of information, especially one that is false or of little value.
Etymology
The word 'peddle' emerged in the 16th century as a verb derived from the older noun 'peddler', referring to an itinerant trader who carried small goods in a 'ped' (a basket). This etymological path, where a shorter word is created from a longer one, is known as back-formation. The core concept has always been associated with the act of selling or hawking wares, typically in a minor, itinerant, or sometimes disreputable manner. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include the act of promoting or spreading ideas, often with a negative connotation of dealing in trivial or dubious goods.
Analysis
The word 'peddle' is a back-formation from the noun 'peddler' or 'pedlar'. Its ultimate origin is likely related to the Middle English 'ped' (meaning a basket, used by hawkers), though its precise linguistic origin is uncertain, possibly from Old English or a regional dialect. It functions as a simplex verb.
Examples
He used to peddle vegetables from a cart in the village.
Some websites peddle conspiracy theories and fake news.
She was arrested for peddling counterfeit watches on the street.