swiper
Definition
- Noun:
- One who swipes: A "swiper" is a person or thing that steals something quickly or takes it without permission, often by using a swift, sweeping motion.
- A device for swiping: In technology, a "swiper" can refer to a device used to swipe cards (e.g., credit card swiper) or a finger motion on a touchscreen.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The security guard caught the swiper trying to take a wallet from the table. (A person who steals by quickly taking something.)
- The cashier used a card swiper to process the payment. (A device that reads magnetic stripes on cards.)
Advanced Usage
- "Swiper" in digital contexts: In modern slang, a "swiper" can refer to someone who repeatedly swipes left or right on dating apps, often without serious intent.
- He's a serial swiper on Tinder, but he never actually goes on dates. (Someone who engages in repetitive swiping behavior without commitment.)
Variants and Related Words
Swipe (verb/noun): The action of moving a hand or object across a surface, often to steal or to operate a device.
- She swiped the cookie from the jar. (She stole it quickly.)
Swiper (adj, informal): Describing a person or action characterized by swiping.
- The swiper motion on the phone is very smooth. (The motion of swiping.)
Synonyms
- Thief: a person who steals, especially secretly.
- Pickpocket: a thief who steals from pockets or bags, often in crowds.
- Card reader: a device that reads information from a card (for the technological sense).
Related Idioms
Swipe left/right: To reject or accept someone on a dating app by swiping.
- He swiped left on her profile because he wasn't interested. (He rejected her.)
Swipe someone’s idea: To take someone else’s idea without permission.
- The competitor swiped our marketing plan. (They stole it.)
Note: "Swiper" as a specific word is less common in formal contexts; it is often used in informal speech or in reference to children’s shows (e.g., "Swiper" from Dora the Explorer as a fox who tries to steal items).