clip artist
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.
Noun
-
a swindler who fleeces the victim
