gyp
1or gip
[ jip ]
/ dʒɪp /
Save This Word!
verb (used with or without object), gypped, gyp·ping.
Informal: Offensive. to defraud or rob by some sharp practice; swindle; cheat.
noun
Informal: Offensive. a con, fraud, cheat, or ripoff.
Also gyp·per [jip-er], /ˈdʒɪp ər/, gyp·ster [jip-ster] /ˈdʒɪp stər/ .Informal: Offensive. a swindler or cheat.
Also called gypsy . (in horse racing) an owner of racehorses who also acts as trainer and jockey.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of gyp
1usage note for gyp
The word gyp is a shortening of Gypsy, an insensitive label that has been used as a disparaging slur for the traditionally nomadic group whose preferred name is Roma. Gyp in the meanings “to swindle” or “a person who swindles” is further insulting to the Roma, since it stereotypes them as cheats and frauds. However, many people are unfamiliar with the origin and history of gyp and Gypsy, so these terms are still in use, even among speakers who generally try to avoid disparaging and offensive language.
Other definitions for gyp (2 of 2)
gyp2
[ jip ]
/ dʒɪp /
noun British Informal.
a male college servant, as at Cambridge and Durham.
Origin of gyp
2First recorded in 1740–50; perhaps from gypsy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use gyp in a sentence
Then turning to go into the car he uttered only one word to himself—and that a mild one: "Gypped!"
Laramie Holds the Range|Frank H. Spearman
British Dictionary definitions for gyp (1 of 3)
gyp1
gip
slang
verb gyps, gypping, gypped, gips, gipping or gipped
(tr) to swindle, cheat, or defraud
noun
an act of cheating
a person who gyps
Word Origin for gyp
C18: back formation from Gypsy
British Dictionary definitions for gyp (2 of 3)
gyp2
/ (dʒɪp) /
noun
British and NZ slang severe pain; torturehis arthritis gave him gyp
Word Origin for gyp
C19: probably a contraction of gee up!; see gee 1
British Dictionary definitions for gyp (3 of 3)
gyp3
/ (dʒɪp) /
noun
a college servant at the universities of Cambridge and DurhamCompare scout 1 (def. 5)
Word Origin for gyp
C18: perhaps from Gypsy, or from obsolete gippo a scullion
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012