spiv

noun

ˈspiv How to pronounce spiv (audio)
1
British : a man who lives by his wits without regular employment
2
British : slacker sense 1
spivvy
ˈspi-vē How to pronounce spiv (audio)
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

Spitzflöte

spiv

spivery

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spiv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiv. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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