spiv

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 External links

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪv

[edit] Etymology

Perhaps from spiff, spiffy. 'Spiv' was the nickname of Henry Bagster, a Londoner arrested a number of times in 1904-6 for activities as described below, and may have been the archetype.

[edit] Noun

spiv (plural spivs)

1. (British, dated) a smartly dressed person who trades in illicit, black-market or stolen goods
2. (British, dated) a flashy con artist, often homeless, who lives by his wits
3. (British, dated) in Scotland Yard usage, a low and common thief
4. (British, dated) a slacker; one who shirks responsibility

[edit] Synonyms

• sharper
• chiseler
• wide boy

[edit] External links

• "spiv" at World Wide Words Michael Quinion, 2001