Bunko: meaning, definitions and examples

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bunko

 

[ bʌŋkoʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal term

Bunko refers to a type of swindle or trick, often characterized by deception for the purpose of financial gain. It is commonly used in contexts involving fraudulent schemes or scams. The term can also refer to a specific form of con game in which the con artist persuades a victim to invest money in a misleading opportunity. It's often associated with playful or casual contexts, emphasizing the informal or light-hearted manner in which the deception takes place.

Synonyms

con, fraud, hoax, scam, swindle

Examples of usage

  • He fell for a bunko scheme that promised quick riches.
  • The police are cracking down on bunko artists in the area.
  • Beware of bunko tactics that target the elderly.
  • She reported the bunko operation to the authorities.

Translations

Translations of the word "bunko" in other languages:

🇵🇹 livro

🇮🇳 पुस्तक

🇩🇪 Buch

🇮🇩 buku

🇺🇦 книга

🇵🇱 książka

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 livre

🇪🇸 libro

🇹🇷 kitap

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 كتاب

🇨🇿 kniha

🇸🇰 kniha

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 knjiga

🇮🇸 bók

🇰🇿 кітап

🇬🇪 წიგნი

🇦🇿 kitab

🇲🇽 libro

Etymology

The term 'bunko' has an interesting origin. It is believed to have originated in the United States during the late 19th to early 20th century, possibly derived from a reference to a card game that involved deception. The game associated with it was known for its use of trickery to deceive opponents, which naturally transitioned into the broader definition of swindling. The word became common in the lexicon of con artists and law enforcement as a way to describe various trickery and frauds that involved misleading individuals for financial gain. Over time, 'bunko' evolved into a general term for any type of fraud, particularly those involving clever deception. It also reflects a certain cultural context of playful dishonesty, emphasizing the informal connotations that can accompany such actions.