spiv

[ spiv ]

/ spɪv /

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noun British Informal.

a petty criminal, especially a black marketeer, racetrack tout, or petty thief.

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TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Origin of spiv

1885–90; back formation from dial. spiving smart; perhaps akin to spiffy

Words nearby spiv

spittle insect, spittoon, spit up, spitz, Spitzenburg, spiv, spivvy, splad, 'splain, splake, splanchnapophysis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for spiv

spiv

/ (spɪv) /

noun

British slang a person who makes a living by underhand dealings or swindling; black marketeer

Derived forms of spiv

spivvy, adjective

Word Origin for spiv

C20: back formation from dialect spiving smart; compare spiffy, spiffing

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