A.Word.A.Day --spiv

A.Word.A.Day

About | Media | Search | Contact

Home

Today's Word

spiv

PRONUNCIATION:

(spiv)

MEANING:

noun: An unscrupulous person or a petty criminal, especially one who is sharply dressed.
verb intr.: To make a living unscrupulously.

ETYMOLOGY:

Of obscure origin, perhaps from spiff/spiffy (smartly dressed). Earliest documented use: 1929.

USAGE:

“She attracts spivs, conmen, and losers like iron filings to a magnet.”
Sheila Riley; The Mersey Orphan; Boldwood Books; 2019.

See more usage examples of spiv in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with them, often before them, at times instead of them. -Umberto Eco, philosopher and novelist (5 Jan 1932-2016)

We need your help

Help us continue to spread the magic of words to readers everywhere

Donate

Subscriber Services
Awards | Stats | Links | Privacy Policy
Contribute | Advertise