Dope & Dupe

I'm writing a play about an atheist and a fundamentalist. The working title is "Dupe."

That title made me wonder if "dupe" is etymologically connected to "dope." Look at the similarity of spelling. Certainly someone who is duped feels like a dope, at least I feel that way.

Alas, there is no connection. "Dupe" is from the French phrase "de huppe," referencing the hoopoe, a bird that some people thought was stupid. (Makes me wonder what hoopoes think of people.) The name "hoopoe" itself is echoic; apparently the bird's cry sounds like that. I haven't heard it myself so I wouldn't know for sure.

But thanks to www.etymonline.com, I do know that "dope" comes from the Dutch "doop," a thick sauce.

All I can say is that the similar spelling of these two words duped me and made me feel like a dope. Maybe this experience will better prepare me to write the play. See you on Broadway.