spiv

noun

1
British : a man who lives by his wits without regular employment
2
British : slacker sense 1
spivvy adjective British

Word History

Etymology

alteration of English dialect spiff flashy dresser, from spiff dandified

First Known Use

circa 1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiv was circa 1934

Dictionary Entries Near spiv

Cite this Entry

“Spiv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiv. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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