Swindling
/ˈswɪn.dlɪŋ/noun
The act of cheating or defrauding someone, often by trickery or deception.
Did you know?Unlike words with ancient ritual roots, swindle is a relatively modern criminal slang term, but its fast rise into standard English shows how language can legitimize the tricks of con artists.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
swindle
“To cheat, defraud, or fleece someone”
18th Century
English
swindler
“A cheat or fraudster”
19th Century
English
swindling
“The act or practice of cheating by fraud”
Modern English
English
swindling
“Cheating or defrauding by trickery”