Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
spiv
Noun
/spɪv/
Definition
A spiv is a person, often associated with illicit activities, who uses unscrupulous means to profit, usually in a deceptive or dishonest manner.
Examples
- During the war, many spivs made a fortune selling stolen goods.
- He was known as a spiv, always looking for quick schemes to make money.
- In post-war London, spivs became synonymous with the underground economy.
Meaning
The term typically refers to someone who is living off the black market or involved in shady business dealings, often during times of economic hardship or war.
Synonyms
- Shyster
- Fraudster
- Con artist
- Hustler
