Etymology:
Old French: griffe ("claw, talon") Vulgar Latin: cripha ("claw") Greek: grypos ("hooked")
Meaning:
A scheme or fraud that involves exploiting people's trust or weaknesses to obtain money or other valuables.
Origin:
The English word "grift" evolved from the Old French word "griffe," which meant "claw" or "talon." It was used figuratively in the 16th century to describe someone who used their power or influence to exploit others for their own gain.
The word gained popularity in the 19th century in the United States, particularly among con men and criminals. It was often used in the context of street scams, gambling, and other shady dealings.
Over time, "grift" came to be more broadly applied to any scheme that involved exploiting people's trust or weaknesses for personal profit. It is now used to describe a wide range of fraudulent activities, from minor swindles to large-scale scams.
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