goniff

Thân thiện

A man is known in the neighborhood as a goniff.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A thief or dishonest person: "goniff" refers to a person who steals or engages in dishonest, unscrupulous behavior.
   • A scoundrel or rascal: It is also used as a general term of abuse for someone considered untrustworthy or contemptible.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Don't trust him with your wallet; he's a known goniff.
  • That goniff sold me a car that broke down the next day.

Advanced Usage

• As a term of contempt: The word is often used more for its expressive, derogatory force than as a literal accusation of theft.
  • That no-good goniff tricked us all.
• In figurative contexts: Can describe someone who metaphorically "steals" through sharp or unethical practices.
  • The politician was called a goniff for his corrupt deals.

Variants and Related Words

• Ganef: An alternative spelling of the same Yiddish-derived word.
  • He's nothing but a cheap ganef.

Synonyms

• Thief: A person who steals.
• Scoundrel: A dishonest or unscrupulous person.
• Rogue: A deceitful or unprincipled person.
• Swindler: A person who uses deception to obtain money or possessions.

Notes on Usage

• Origin: The word "goniff" entered English from Yiddish (גנב‎ ), which itself derives from Hebrew.
• Register: It is an informal, slang term. Its use often carries a cultural or stylistic nuance from its Yiddish roots.
• Context: While its core meaning is "thief," it is frequently used broadly as a colorful insult for any disliked or dishonest individual.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (Yiddish) a thief or dishonest person or scoundrel (often used as a general term of abuse)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• gonif
• ganef
• ganof