Street
steerer
What does steerer mean?
A steerer is a con man's helper who guides or 'steers' victims toward a rigged gambling game, crooked shop, or waiting thieves.
"The steerer walked the tourist straight into the rigged card game."
Origin
American underworld slang, 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 'steerer' do?
A steerer is a con man's accomplice who lures or 'steers' victims toward a rigged game, crooked shop, or waiting thieves.
Where does the term come from?
It comes from 19th-century American underworld slang, from the idea of steering a mark in the desired direction.
How is a steerer different from a capper?
Both help lure victims. A steerer physically guides the mark to the trap, while a capper poses as a customer or winner to make the scam look legitimate. The roles often overlap.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
