spiv

[ spiv ]

noun

, British Informal.

1. a petty criminal, especially a black marketeer, racetrack tout, or petty thief.

spiv

/ spɪv /

noun

1. slang.
   a person who makes a living by underhand dealings or swindling; black marketeer

Derived Forms

• ˈspivvy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiv¹

1885–90; back formation from dial. spiving smart; perhaps akin to spiffy

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiv¹

C20: back formation from dialect spiving smart; compare spiffy , spiffing