Definition
A misleading clue or distraction that diverts attention from the central issue or truth; something intended to confuse or misdirect. The term originated from the practice of dragging a pungent smoked fish across hunting grounds to throw off tracking dogs.
Example Usage
The detective realized the suspect's alibi was a red herring when new evidence pointed elsewhere.
Origin
From the literal use of smoked herring to lay false scent trails in hunts; figurative usage emerged by the 1600s.
Fun Fact
The phrase became especially popular in detective fiction and logic puzzles, where red herrings are now a classic narrative device.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Red Herring” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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