Vol. 06 · Misquoted ·Saying ·298 of 348
"There's a sucker born every minute. — P.T. Barnum"
They never said that.
What people say
"There's a sucker born every minute. — P.T. Barnum"
What was actually said
"Attributed to competitor David Hannum (c. 1869) about Barnum's Cardiff Giant exhibit." David Hannum (about Barnum) — Cardiff Giant hoax, 1869
Why it stuck
Hannum owned the fake "Cardiff Giant" petrified man. When Barnum made a second fake and outdrew the crowds, Hannum is said to have used the line — about Barnum's customers. Barnum stole the credit.
No contemporary source records Barnum himself saying it.
Know another line by heart?
Play the duel and see how many you can spot. Or browse the whole shelf.