DictionaryAI

grifter

noun
USGRIF-ter/ˈɡɹɪftɚ/UKGRIF-tuh/ˈɡɹɪftə/

Pluralgrifters

1 meaning of grifter

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncolloquialcountable
    Someone who tricks or manipulates people or dishonestly exploits a system for personal gain.

    The grifter sold fake concert tickets outside the stadium.

    Don't lend him any money, because he's a grifter.

    Similarswindler, hustler, fraudster, trickster, conman

    Note

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Origin

It comes from grift + -er, or probably from grafter, a word for a corrupt person. It started as circus slang in the early 1900s.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 4 facts