gyp

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
  2. verb deprive of by deceit

Etymology

Perhaps from the term gypsy (“Roma”), due to a stereotype of the Roma as swindlers. Compare jew (“defraud”), from Jew, and welsh (“swindle by defaulting on a debt”), from Welsh. Could also be derived from dupe, with the same pattern (yod coalescence) as idiot becomes eejit in Scottish English.

In classic literature

Synonyms

bunco, bunco game, bunko, bunko game, con, confidence trick, confidence game, con game, hustle, sting, flimflam

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