shyster
Shyster (noun) means a dishonest or unscrupulous person, especially a lawyer or politician. Example: “The tenants accused their landlord's attorney of being a shyster.”
How to use shyster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, disapproving word for a crooked or sleazy operator, often a lawyer.
Informal and derogatory; not appropriate for formal or legal writing.
Word forms
shystered past tense, shysters plural, shysters singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tenants accused their landlord's attorney of being a _____.
Etymology
Of disputed American origin, possibly linked to an old sense of "shy" meaning disreputable, or to a German word meaning someone worthless.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for shyster
See all rhymes for shyster →Frequently asked questions
What does “shyster” mean?
The word “shyster” means a dishonest or unscrupulous person, especially a lawyer or politician. In plain terms, an informal, disapproving word for a crooked or sleazy operator, often a lawyer.
How do you pronounce “shyster”?
“Shyster” is pronounced SHYS-tuh (/ˈʃaɪs.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “shyster” in a sentence?
Here is “shyster” used in a sentence: “The tenants accused their landlord's attorney of being a shyster.”
What part of speech is “shyster”?
“Shyster” is a noun.
Where does the word “shyster” come from?
The word “shyster” comes from German. Of disputed American origin, possibly linked to an old sense of "shy" meaning disreputable, or to a German word meaning someone worthless.