Scalped

The past tense and past participle of the verb 'scalp'. To remove the scalp, including the skin and hair, from the head. Historically, this was a brutal practice, often done as a trophy in warfare or as a demonstration of dominance. Figuratively, it can also refer to the act of taking a significant profit in a short period, particularly in financial markets or the resale of goods. It implies a swift and potentially ruthless action, leaving the subject vulnerable or exploited. The act always involves the removal of something, literal or figurative, from a victim.

Scalped meaning with examples

• In the frontier era, the Native American warrior proudly scalped his enemy to demonstrate his prowess and claim a symbol of victory. This horrific act was a brutal reality of their conflicts. It was seen as a powerful display of dominance that gave the victor stature.
• The reseller scalped concert tickets, selling them for three times the face value the moment they were available. Fans were frustrated as they had to pay a considerable sum to see the performance, unable to get the cheaper prices.
• During the online auction, the art dealer scalped the rare painting for a fortune, capitalizing on the intense demand. They waited patiently and then took advantage of the auction to gain a substantial profit, gaining a strong economic advantage.
• The ruthless politician scalped his opponent's reputation with a series of damaging accusations during the debate. Public opinion shifted quickly, damaging the other candidate beyond repair and making the first politician more popular.