Street
touch
What does touch mean?
A 'touch' is a theft, particularly a pickpocketing score, and can also mean the act of getting money out of someone. To 'make a touch' is to pull off the steal.
"It was a clean touch, a fat wallet and nobody the wiser."
Origin
British/American slang, 19th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'touch' mean in criminal slang?
A 'touch' is a theft, especially a pickpocketing score, and can also mean the act of getting money out of someone. The money taken is also called the touch.
What does it mean to 'make a touch'?
To 'make a touch' is to pull off the steal, successfully lifting a wallet or otherwise extracting money.
Where does this sense of 'touch' come from?
It is British and American slang dating back to the nineteenth century, from the idea of a light, unnoticed touch on a victim.
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