Definition of grifter

The origin of the word "grifter" dates back to the early 20th century. Specifically, it is believed that the term emerged in the US during the 1930s as part of the jargon used by con artists and swindlers. In its earliest use, the term referred to an actor or performer who relied on charisma and deceit to get ahead in the entertainment industry. Such individuals would often adopt false personalities and exaggerate their abilities in order to win roles, impress audiences, and advance their careers. This earliest usage of "grifter" is believed to have been inspired by the grifter bird, which can be found in the Americas and Africa. Grifter birds are skilled at stealing food from other birds, using a variety of tactics such as distracting them with loud calls or pretending to be injured in order to lure their prey closer. This adaptation of a bird's name to describe a human's behavior was not uncommon during this time, as other words such as "duck" and "louse" were also sometimes used to refer to individuals who exhibited certain traits or behaviors. Over time, the use of "grifter" came to encompass a broader range of con artists and swindlers. These individuals would use various methods to extract money or other valuable items from unsuspecting victims, often through sophisticated scams, schemes, or fraudulent activity. In contemporary usage, a "grifter" is generally understood to be any person who obtains something by deceitful means, frequently using charm, manipulation, or psychological pressure to achieve their goals.