Guy explores the true origin of the term "snake oil salesman," tracing it back to Chinese laborers in the 1800s who brought genuine medicinal snake oil to the U.S. The negative connotation arose later due to frauds like Clark Stanley, who sold fake remedies under the same name. Guy uses this historical context to push back on being called a "snake oil salesman," clarifying that selling something effective with enthusiasm is not the same as selling a scam. The piece is a humorous and pointed defense of ethical salesmanship.