Swindling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'swindle' comes from the German word 'schwindel,' meaning 'to deceive.'
• It first appeared in English language during the late 18th century, often used in legal contexts.

Historical Origins

• In the 17th century, swindlers often used elaborate schemes to defraud investors, particularly in London.
• Notorious swindlers, such as Charles Ponzi in the early 20th century, became famous for their deceitful financial schemes.

Pop Culture

• Many movies and books depict swindlers as clever or charming characters, like in 'Catch Me If You Can.'
• The character of Fagin in Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' is a classic example of a swindler in literature.

Psychology

• Swindling often exploits trust; understanding psychology helps to devise better prevention strategies.
• Con artists typically use social manipulation to establish rapport before executing their deceit.

Legislation

• Various laws exist to protect people from financial fraud, including regulations specific to swindling.
• Countries have different legal definitions and penalties for swindling, affecting how justice is served.

At rank #29,128, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 29125 dwelled
• 29126 lanthanide
• 29127 typographic
• 29128 swindling
• 29129 velar
• 29130 telemarketing
• 29131 retrofitting
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