clip artist

Thân thiện

A clip artist cons a tourist out of their wallet on a crowded street.

Definition

Noun: A person who engages in swindling or cheating, typically by tricking someone out of money or valuables; a con artist or swindler. The term emphasizes the act of "clipping" or taking something from the victim through deceit.

Usage

The term "clip artist" is a somewhat informal or slang noun used to label a person who is a professional or habitual swindler. It is typically used in contexts discussing crime, fraud, or deception.

Examples

• The so-called investment advisor turned out to be a clip artist who stole the retirees' savings.
• Be careful of clip artists offering deals that seem too good to be true.
• The police warned the public about a clip artist operating in the downtown area.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes carry a tone of grudging admiration for the skill involved in the con, though it is primarily derogatory.
• It is often used in journalistic or narrative descriptions of crimes.

Variants and Related Words

• Con artist (noun): A more common synonym for a person who commits fraud by gaining the victim's confidence.
• Swindler (noun): A general term for a person who uses deception to deprive someone of money or property.
• Grifter (noun): Informal term for a person who engages in petty swindles.

Synonyms

Swindler, con artist, grifter, fraudster, cheat, hustler, scammer.

Related Idioms

• To clip someone: To swindle or cheat someone, often by overcharging. This is the verbal root of the noun "clip artist."
  • Example: The taxi driver tried to clip the tourist by taking a longer route.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a swindler who fleeces the victim