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gyp
1Or gip
[jip]
verb (used with or without object)
gypped, gypping
Informal: Offensive.to defraud or rob by some sharp practice; swindle; cheat.
noun
Informal: Offensive.a con, fraud, cheat, or ripoff.
Informal: Offensive.Also gypper gypster a swindler or cheat.
Also called gypsy.(in horse racing) an owner of racehorses who also acts as trainer and jockey.
gyp
2[jip]
noun
British Informal.
a male college servant, as at Cambridge and Durham.
gyp
1/ ɪ /
verb
(tr) to swindle, cheat, or defraud
noun
an act of cheating
a person who gyps
gyp
2/ ɪ /
noun
slangsevere pain; torture
his arthritis gave him gyp
gyp
3/ ɪ /
noun
a college servant at the universities of Cambridge and Durham Compare scout 1
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Sensitive Note
The word gyp is a shortening of Gypsy, an insensitive label that has been used as a disparaging slur for the traditionally nomadic group whose preferred name is Roma. Gyp in the meanings “to swindle” or “a person who swindles” is further insulting to the Roma, since it stereotypes them as cheats and frauds. However, many people are unfamiliar with the origin and history of gyp and Gypsy, so these terms are still in use, even among speakers who generally try to avoid disparaging and offensive language.
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of gyp1
An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; back formation from Gypsy. The variants at gyp 1 def. 3, gypper and gypster, are formed from gyp 1 ( def. ) + -er 1 ( def. ) and -ster ( def. ) respectively
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of gyp1
C18: back formation from Gypsy
Origin of gyp2
C19: probably a contraction of gee up!; see gee 1
Origin of gyp3
C18: perhaps from Gypsy , or from obsolete gippo a scullion
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When To Use
More context on gyp
A term you probably want to eject from your vocabulary is gyp, slang for "to cheat" or "a cheat." It is a shortening of the word gypsy, an often derogatory term for the Roma, a nomadic people who have been stereotyped as being swindlers or con artists. Read our Usage Note for even more context on gyp.If knowing the history of gyp has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, "These Common 51Թs Have Offensive Histories," discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider.
A term you probably want to eject from your vocabulary is gyp, slang for "to cheat" or "a cheat." It is a shortening of the word gypsy, an often derogatory term for the Roma, a nomadic people who have been stereotyped as being swindlers or con artists. Read our Usage Note for even more context on gyp.If knowing the history of gyp has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, "These Common 51Թs Have Offensive Histories," discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider.
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