Etymology
The word "tapinage" comes from the French verb "taper," which means "to tap" or "to hit." The term was originally used to describe the act of begging by tapping people on the shoulder. Over time, it came to be used more generally to refer to any kind of petty crime or hustling.
Meaning
Tapinage is a broad term that can refer to a wide range of activities, including:
Origin
The word "tapinage" first appeared in the French language in the 16th century. It is thought to have originated from the slang term "taper," which was used to describe the act of begging. The term was later adopted by the police and other authorities to refer to any kind of petty crime or hustling.
Examples