This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
spiv
[ spiv ]
/ spɪv /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun British Informal.
a petty criminal, especially a black marketeer, racetrack tout, or petty thief.
QUIZ
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?
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, adjectiveWord 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