shyster

American  

[shahy-ster] / ˈʃaɪ stər /

noun

Informal.

1. a lawyer who uses unprofessional or questionable methods.

2. a person who gets along by petty, sharp practices.

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shyster British  

/ ˈʃaɪstə /

noun

1. informal a person, esp a lawyer or politician, who uses discreditable or unethical methods

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Other Word Forms

• shysterism noun

Etymology

Origin of shyster

1835–45, probably < German Scheisser, equivalent to scheiss ( en ) to shit + -er -er ¹; final -ser conformed to -ster

Explanation

A shyster is someone who might rip you off or do something unethical in order to get his way. A used car salesman might tell you a car is a thousand dollars, but when you read the fine print, it turns out you’ll pay a lot more. That salesman is a shyster — someone who lies and deceives for his own benefit. The word comes from the 18th century German Scheisser, which is a vulgar term for “worthless person.” You can remember the meaning of shyster by remembering that it sounds like heist, since shysters are basically trying to rob you.

Example Sentences

In response he created Saul Goodman in an act of frustration and shame, to act out his shameless impulses, let his shyster flag fly freely and without guilt, to get away with unscrupulous acts.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2020

Although denounced as “a shyster and scoundrel” who stole horses and rigs from trusting men and absconded with cash and jewelry from besotted women, George was installed as Emma’s manager and agent.

From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2019

Steyn charged: “And it turns out he's not a heroic presidential speaking truth to power a guy, he's just a flimflam shyster who steals from his clients.”

From Fox News • Apr. 30, 2019

This is the ultimate ill of an old-world system that earns millions for everyone but the players: It left a 21-year-old vulnerable to a vengeful shyster operating in an underworld.

From Washington Post • May 5, 2016

The other was made out to a shyster lawyer and was for fifteen thousand.

From From the Bottom Up The Life Story of Alexander Irvine by Irvine, Alexander