ripoff

or rip-off

[ rip-awf, -of ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an act or instance of ripping off another or others; a theft, cheat, or swindle.
2. exploitation, especially of those who cannot prevent or counter it.
3. a copy or imitation.
4. a person who rips off another or others; thief or swindler.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ripoff¹

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase rip off

Example Sentences

Ripoff Report does not allow one to remove complaint reviews.

From Search Engine Land

“This place in a ripoff,” adds another prisoner who gave his last name as Parkhurst.

From The Daily Beast

But in the third market, the most transparent one, almost all of the regular goods were sold at ripoff prices.

From The Daily Beast

Most of their fans filed out of the arena quietly, while some reportedly chanted, “Kings of Ripoff!”

From The Daily Beast

There were rumors of a Brighton Beach ripoff and a Persian version; a geriatric version has already made it to air.

From The Daily Beast

Cold-brewing exposes expensive coffee for what it is: a ripoff.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• rip-off
• swindle