Fob

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Fob

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FOB  /fɒb/

Definition

As a noun: a small ornament or decorative attachment on a key ring or watch chain; a key fob (a small electronic device used to lock or unlock a car or door). As a verb: to fob off — to deceive or put off with an inferior substitute or a false excuse.

Plain meaning

A fob is the small tag or device on your key ring — or, in the phrase 'fob off', to deceive someone by giving them something inferior or an excuse instead of what they asked for.

Register

The noun is standard and neutral. Fob off is informal and mildly critical.