[Lexicog] origin of the word "gullible"

[MARC FRYD]

Allan,
The word "gueule" in French means face ( 'sale gueule' ) or mouth (
'(ferme) ta gueule!). Neutral when used for animals, it takes on argotic
connotations when used for humans.
This strikes me as a plausible origin of your 'gullible'.
Regards,
Marc


Allan Johnson wrote:

>To Lexicography list -
>
>Is anybody aware of any historical connection between the words "guile"
>(deceit) and "gullible" (easily deceived)?  It seems quite plausible that
>the word "gullible" could have developed from "guile-able".  But I see no
>hint of a connection in the online dictionaries I've looked at.
>
>Allan J
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