scam
SKAM
/skæm/
(noun) A dishonest scheme; a fraud. (verb) To swindle someone by means of a trick.
While similar to fraud, 'scam' often implies a more direct, often less complex, and usually non-violent scheme to cheat someone out of money, often by exploiting trust or naivety. It's frequently used in everyday conversation.
The story behind the word. The origin of 'scam' is a bit of a mystery, but it's believed to have emerged in American English around the 1960s. Some theories suggest it might be related to 'scamp,' meaning a rascal, or perhaps from a variant of 'scheme.' Regardless of its precise birth, it quickly became a popular, informal way to describe a dishonest trick.
Word relationships
- con (informal): Short for 'confidence trick,' implying exploiting trust.
- hoax: A humorous or mischievous deception, often not for financial gain.
- trick: A cunning or skillful act or scheme, not always malicious or financial.
- honesty: The quality of being truthful and sincere.
- legitimate deal: A fair and lawful transaction.
Commonly confused with
- fraud: 'Scam' is often a more informal term for a fraudulent scheme, particularly one that is less complex or involves a direct trick, while 'fraud' is a more formal and legal term for intentional deception.
Word family
- scammer (noun): A person who carries out a scam.
Collocations
- online scam
- phone scam
- investment scam
- romance scam
- scam alert
- run a scam
Idioms & expressions
- a scam artist
Example sentences
- "Be wary of emails promising large sums of money; they are almost always a scam." Warning about online dangers.
- "The elderly couple was scammed out of their life savings by a smooth-talking con artist." Describing being cheated.
Memory hook
A SCAM is a SKillful AMbush designed to steal your money. SKillful AMbush
When not to use
While 'scam' can be used broadly, in formal legal documents or when referring to highly complex, large-scale financial crimes, 'fraud' or more specific terms might be preferred.
Fun facts
- The term 'scam' is frequently used in news headlines and public service announcements to warn people about prevalent deceptive practices.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.