Origin of the term catfish reveals surprising metaphor about online deception

The term "catfish," used to describe someone who deceives others online, originates from a metaphor about fish. In the 2010 film "Catfish," a husband explained that catfish keep cod agile during transport, preventing them from becoming dull. This metaphor highlights the idea that catfish, like deceptive individuals, add excitement to life. However, experts note that the comparison is flawed, as catfish are bottom feeders and not the agile predators described. Despite the inaccuracies, the term has gained popularity, inspiring various shows and discussions about online deception. The metaphor remains a catchy way to describe the phenomenon of catfishing.