noun
grifter
GRIHF-tuh
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
Word Forms
grifters plural
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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.