What does spiv mean?
Definitions for spiv
spɪvspiv
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word spiv.
Princeton's WordNet
spivnoun
a person without employment who makes money by various dubious schemes; goes about smartly dressed and having a good time
Wiktionary
spivnoun
a smartly dressed person who trades in illicit, black-market or stolen goods
spivnoun
a flashy con artist, often homeless, who lives by his wits
spivnoun
in Scotland Yard usage, a low and common thief
spivnoun
a slacker; one who shirks responsibility
Etymology: Perhaps from spiff, spiffy.
Wikipedia
Spiv
In the United Kingdom, the word spiv is slang for a type of petty criminal who deals in illicit, typically black market, goods. The word was particularly used during the Second World War and in the post-war period when many goods were rationed due to shortages. According to Peter Wollen, "The crucial difference between the spiv and the classic Hollywood gangster was the degree of sympathy the spiv gained as an intermediary in the transfer of black market goods to ... a grateful mass of consumers."
ChatGPT
spiv
A spiv is a British term generally referring to a person who participates in dishonest or fraudulent activities, especially by selling black-market or illegal goods. This term was commonly used in the 1940s and 1950s to describe a certain type of petty criminal who dealt in illicit merchandise. In a broader sense, it can also refer to someone who is cleverly deceptive or duplicitous.
Wikidata
Spiv
In the United Kingdom, a spiv is a particular type of petty criminal who deals in illicit, typically black market, goods of questionable authenticity, especially a slickly-dressed man offering goods at bargain prices. The goods are generally not what they seem or have been obtained illegally. The word was particularly used during the Second World War and in the post-war rationing period.
Suggested Resources
SPIV
What does SPIV stand for? -- Explore the various meanings for the SPIV acronym on the Abbreviations.com website.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of spiv in Chaldean Numerology is: 9
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of spiv in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3
Translations for spiv
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"spiv." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/spiv>.
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