'swindle' originates from German, specifically the word 'schwindeln,' where 'schwindel' meant 'to be giddy or dizzy.'

'schwindeln' transformed into the English word 'swindle' in the 18th century, maintaining its connotation of deception.

Initially, it meant 'to be giddy or dizzy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to deceive or cheat someone out of money or possessions.'