The term "catfish" can refer to two main concepts. First, it describes a type of fish known for its whisker-like barbels around its mouth, commonly found in freshwater environments. Second, in the context of internet dating or social media, "catfishing" refers to the act of creating a fake identity or persona to deceive someone, often for romantic purposes.
Siluriformes (scientific classification)
For the deceptive act:
None applicable
For the deceptive act:
The word "catfish" originates from the resemblance of the fish's barbels to a cat's whiskers. The term is a combination of "cat," referring to the animal known for its whiskers, and "fish," indicating its aquatic nature.