Street
mark
What does mark mean?
A mark is the target of a swindle, con game, or pickpocket team, the person picked out to be cheated or robbed.
"They spotted the mark the moment he flashed a thick roll at the bar."
Origin
American underworld/carnival slang, 19th–20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'mark' in con slang?
A mark is the intended victim of a con, swindle, or theft, the person picked out to be cheated or robbed.
Why is the victim called a mark?
The term comes from carnival and underworld slang; the victim was figuratively 'marked' for being cheated, sometimes literally chalked or tagged by a confederate.
How is 'mark' used in a sentence?
Con artists 'spot the mark' or 'work the mark,' meaning they identify and then manipulate their chosen victim.
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