shyster
Americannoun
-
a lawyer who uses unprofessional or questionable methods.
-
a person who gets along by petty, sharp practices.
noun
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing shyster
Moon Over Manifest
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
I, Robot
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Mighty Miss Malone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Gilligan himself confirmed as much with Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul, in which affable Jimmy McGill follows a similar trajectory to Walt, as he morally morphs into the shyster lawyer Saul Goodman.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 13, 2018
You ain’t earned nothin’–but, by jingo, it’s worth money just to git shet of such a dog-goned shyster as you.
From Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher by Eleanor Gates
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
