A Look at the History of Snake Oil
From deception to contemporary metaphor
Clark Stanley, who considered himself to be the “King of Rattlesnakes,” fooled the American people in the late 19th century by asserting that his “snake oil,” which was purportedly produced from rattlesnakes, had the ability to treat arthritis.
She was about to be a fool, unaware of the truth that lay just beneath the surface, waiting to shatter her illusions.
Stanley successfully marketed this so-called wonder remedy for more than twenty years, persuading customers that it might alleviate their suffering and improve their overall health. Nevertheless, when the truth was revealed, it was discovered that his “snake oil” consisted of nothing more than mineral oil, beef fat, red pepper, and turpentine. This was a far cry from the medical properties that were advertised.
For all time, the deceptive claims made by Stanley and the scandal that followed became a symbol of empty promises and false hope, forever linking snake oil with dishonesty.
In the year 2024, shortly after his election, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a comparison between the development of far-right parties in Europe and the snake oil sellers of history. This parallel was made in the context of the political climate in Europe. During his speech, he issued a warning about the perils of radical beliefs, referring to them as “snake oil sellers.”
Those words swiftly gained popularity, gaining traction in European politics. It is now used to describe politicians or other public figures that engage in the practice of selling false promises and influencing the public by making statements that are overstated and unjustified.
The term “snake oil sellers” refers to those who are known to spread falsehoods and mislead individuals, frequently taking advantage of their anxieties and wants to find quick remedies.
When used in contemporary discourse, the term “snake oil” has moved beyond its historical meaning and is now used to refer to any solution or product that gives the impression of offering a treatment but does not actually provide one. As a result of the fast spread of a variety of dubious treatments and “miracle cures” during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word was extensively used. Specialists refer to these remedies as the “snake oil of the 21st century.”
As a powerful metaphor for exploitation and dishonesty, the phrase continues to be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from questionable health treatments to exaggerated claims in the technology industry, such as promises made by artificial intelligence- AI that do not match reality.
The legacy of snake oil continues to act as a cautionary tale, not only in the field of medicine but also in any other profession where claims are made without the substance to back them up.
The deceit that started with Clark Stanley’s false concoction has developed into a cultural emblem that serves as a reminder to us to question the authenticity of solutions that appear to be too good to be true, whether they be in the realm of politics, health, or technology.
