dupé

Dupé is a term derived from the French word *duper*, meaning "to deceive" or "to trick." It refers to someone who has been fooled, manipulated, or taken advantage of by another person or entity. The concept of being duped is common in various contexts, including personal relationships, business dealings, and media.

In everyday language, being duped often implies a lack of awareness or gullibility on the part of the victim. For example, a person might be duped into believing a false claim, purchasing an inferior product, or falling for an elaborate scam. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the individual was not cautious enough or lacked critical thinking skills.

The idea of being duped has been explored in literature, film, and psychology. In storytelling, characters who are duped often serve as a cautionary example, highlighting the dangers of trusting others without verification. Psychological studies suggest that people may be more susceptible to deception when they are emotionally invested, under stress, or influenced by cognitive biases.

While being duped can lead to frustration or financial loss, it can also serve as a learning experience, encouraging individuals to develop better discernment in future interactions. Awareness of common deception tactics, such as misinformation, emotional manipulation, or false promises, can help reduce the likelihood of being taken advantage of.