<P> The origin of the expression is unknown . Conventional wisdom has long supposed it to be the use of a kipper ( a strong - smelling smoked fish ) to train hounds to follow a scent , or to divert them from the correct route when hunting ; however , modern linguistic research suggests that the term was probably invented in 1807 by English polemicist William Cobbett , referring to one occasion on which he had supposedly used a kipper to divert hounds from chasing a hare , and was never an actual practice of hunters . The phrase was later borrowed to provide a formal name for the logical fallacy and literary device . </P>
<P> The origin of the expression is unknown . Conventional wisdom has long supposed it to be the use of a kipper ( a strong - smelling smoked fish ) to train hounds to follow a scent , or to divert them from the correct route when hunting ; however , modern linguistic research suggests that the term was probably invented in 1807 by English polemicist William Cobbett , referring to one occasion on which he had supposedly used a kipper to divert hounds from chasing a hare , and was never an actual practice of hunters . The phrase was later borrowed to provide a formal name for the logical fallacy and literary device . </P>
where does the saying red herring come from
where does the saying red herring come from
origin of the expression is unknown
origin of the expression is unknown