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Conman: meaning, definitions and examples

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conman

 

[ ˈkɒnˌmæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal activities

A conman is a person who engages in deceitful practices to swindle or cheat others, often by gaining their trust. They typically use charm or intelligence to manipulate victims into giving up money or information. Conmen can be involved in various fraudulent schemes, ranging from simple scams to elaborate schemes.

Synonyms

cheat, fraudster, scammer, swindler.

Examples of usage

  • He was a notorious conman who tricked people out of their life savings.
  • The conman used a fake identity to gain the victim's trust.
  • She fell victim to a conman who promised her a lucrative investment opportunity.
  • Law enforcement has been trying to catch the conman who operates in multiple states.

Etymology

The term 'conman' is derived from 'confidence man,' which refers to a person who gains the trust of others for fraudulent purposes. The phrase gained popularity in the mid-19th century, particularly in the United States. The earliest documented use of 'confidence man' was in 1849 when it was used to describe a perpetrator of a swindle in New York City. The term reflects the method by which such individuals would earn the confidence of their targets, often through persuasive speech and charisma. Over time, the phrase was abbreviated to 'conman,' and it has since become a common term for various types of scammers and fraudsters. The evolution of this term illustrates the darker side of human interaction, where trust is exploited to deceive and victimized innocent people. As fraudulent schemes and techniques have advanced, so has the understanding and awareness of conmen and their tactics in modern society.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,101, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.