Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person, typically unemployed, who earns a living through various questionable or dishonest schemes, often while presenting a smartly dressed and carefree appearance.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The term "spiv" is used to describe a man who avoids regular work but appears prosperous through dealing in black-market goods or other shady activities.
  • It often carries connotations of flashy dress and a parasitic lifestyle, thriving on the margins of society, especially in times of scarcity like post-war Britain.

Examples

• Noun:
  • During the rationing years, a spiv might be seen selling nylon stockings on the street corner.
  • He was known around town as a spiv, always in a sharp suit but never holding down a proper job.

Advanced Usage

• The word "spiv" is historically specific, most commonly associated with mid-20th century Britain. It evokes a specific cultural archetype of the charming but dishonest wheeler-dealer.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe someone in modern contexts who profits from dubious, non-productive schemes while maintaining a facade of success.

Variants and Related Words

• Spivvery (noun, rare): The characteristic activities or practices of a spiv.
  • The post-war economy was rife with spivvery.

Synonyms

• Wheeler-dealer: A person who engages in clever or devious business deals.
• Hustler: A person who obtains money by dishonest or aggressive means.
• Rogue: A dishonest or unprincipled man.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "On the spiv": (British, informal, dated) Engaging in the lifestyle or activities of a spiv.
  • After the war, many ex-soldiers found themselves on the spiv just to get by.

Noun

1. a person without employment who makes money by various dubious schemes; goes about smartly dressed and having a good time