grifter

American  

[grif-ter] / ˈgrɪf tər /

noun

Slang.

1. a person who operates a side show at a circus, fair, etc., especially a gambling attraction.

2. a swindler, dishonest gambler, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of grifter

First recorded in 1910–15; grift + -er ¹

Example Sentences

An increasing number of influencers, crypto grifters, “pick-up artists” and gambling websites have come to realize that male isolation creates incredible profit opportunities.

From Salon

The conservative movement has been infected with grifters and demagogues.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’m not making any such suggestions about Musk’s embrace of aforementioned English rabble-rouser Tommy Robinson, who is often described as an anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant activist but is really just a shameless professional grifter.

From Salon

Winston is a grifter and populist demagogue in the mold of Robert Penn Warren’s Willie Stark, though Mr. Johnson has also taken inspiration from the daily news.

From The Wall Street Journal

Not only because he, a lifelong grifter, knew he could win on a platform of hate, but because he truly hates people who don’t praise him.

From Salon