Grifter

A grifter is a person who engages in petty or small-scale swindling, deceit, or confidence tricks for personal gain. This individual often exploits the trust of others, using charm, persuasion, and manipulation to extract money or favors, usually through dishonest means. Grifters typically operate in the shadows, navigating various social circumstances to execute their scams and often leave their victims feeling embarrassed or foolish. The term implies an element of cunning and deceitfulness.

Grifter meaning with examples

• The charming salesman turned out to be a grifter, convincing unsuspecting customers to invest in a non-existent product. Many were left feeling embarrassed after yielding to his persuasive tactics, only to realize they had been duped.
• During the art fair, a well-dressed figure sold counterfeit paintings, proving to be a grifter who customized his story to convince patrons of the artwork's authenticity. Such manipulations evoke trust, leading to financial losses for those who fell victim.
• In a thrilling novel about con artists, the protagonist starts as a small-time grifter, siphoning funds from friends until personal ambitions lead him to bigger stakes. This journey highlights the moral complexities one might face when driven by greed.
• A local community group organized an event to warn residents of a grifter targeting elderly individuals, posing as a charity worker. By sharing experiences, they aimed to educate others about how easily trust could be exploited by smooth-talking outsiders.
• The documentary exposed the life of a grifter living a double life, where seemingly charming interactions masked an intention to deceive. Through interviews, it unveiled the psychological factors that allow such individuals to manipulate social connections to their advantage.