bunko
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A swindle or confidence game: A type of fraud where the victim is tricked, often through gambling or by being persuaded to buy something worthless.
Usage
- The word "bunko" specifically refers to a scheme designed to deceive and cheat someone out of money. It is often used in the context of organized fraud.
- It is a less common, somewhat informal term for a scam or swindle.
Examples
- The police broke up a bunko ring that was targeting elderly homeowners.
- He lost his savings in a classic bunko scheme involving fake gemstones.
- She realized too late that the "investment opportunity" was just a bunko.
Advanced Usage
- "to run a bunko": to operate a fraudulent scheme.
- The criminals were arrested for running a bunko out of a fake charity.
- "bunko artist": a person who carries out such swindles; a con artist.
- The so-called psychic turned out to be nothing more than a skilled bunko artist.
Variants and Related Words
- Bunco: An alternative spelling of "bunko."
- Bunco squad: (noun) A police unit specializing in investigating fraud and confidence games.
Synonyms
- Swindle
- Con game
- Scam
- Fraud
- Hustle (informal)
- Racket
Related Idioms
- "To be buncoed": To be cheated or swindled.
- I think we've been buncoed; this "antique" vase is a cheap replica.
Noun
- a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property