noun
grifter
GRIHF-tuh
Grifter (noun) means a con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people. Example: “The documentary followed a grifter who conned dozens of retirees out of their savings.”
noun
1
A con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people.
"The documentary followed a grifter who conned dozens of retirees out of their savings."
"He came across as charming, but underneath he was just a grifter."
2
Informally, anyone seen as exploiting a system or group of people dishonestly for personal gain, especially a public figure viewed as fake or self-serving.
"Critics called the politician a grifter who never delivered on a single promise."
How to use grifter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who scams or manipulates others for money or advantage, rather than earning it honestly.
When to use it
Common as an insult in political and online commentary, often exaggerated for effect.
Common pairings
a total grifter
expose a grifter
grifter energy
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Word forms
- Plural
- grifters
Fill the gap
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The documentary followed a _____ who conned dozens of retirees out of their savings.
Etymology
From grift plus the agent suffix "-er," originally circus and carnival slang for a con man before spreading into everyday use; first recorded around 1906.
Class of 1906
grifter joined the language around 1906.
See the full Class of 1906 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for grifter
See all rhymes for grifter →Frequently asked questions
What does “grifter” mean?
The word “grifter” means a con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people. In plain terms, someone who scams or manipulates others for money or advantage, rather than earning it honestly.
How do you pronounce “grifter”?
“Grifter” is pronounced GRIHF-tuh (/ˈɡɹɪftɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “grifter” in a sentence?
Here is “grifter” used in a sentence: “The documentary followed a grifter who conned dozens of retirees out of their savings.”
What part of speech is “grifter”?
“Grifter” is a noun.
Where does the word “grifter” come from?
The word “grifter” dates back to around 1906. From grift plus the agent suffix "-er," originally circus and carnival slang for a con man before spreading into everyday use; first recorded around 1906.
How many meanings does “grifter” have?
“Grifter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a con artist who makes a living by scamming or manipulating people.
