bandit
B2Colloquial to neutral in literal sense; often journalistic or metaphorical in extended use.
Definition
Meaning
A robber or outlaw, especially one who operates as part of a group in remote or rural areas and uses force or threats.
Figuratively, someone or something considered dishonest, exploitative, or operating outside the law/rules (e.g., 'one-armed bandit' for a slot machine, 'bandit country' for a lawless area).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries a somewhat romantic or historical connotation when referring to literal robbers (e.g., highwaymen). In modern contexts, often used metaphorically or humorously to label unfair or predatory actors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb form 'to bandit' (to rob) is archaic and virtually unused in both.
Connotations
In both, evokes imagery of masked outlaws, Westerns, or historical figures. Slightly more likely to be used metaphorically in AmE (e.g., 'speed bandit').
Frequency
Comparable frequency. 'Bandit' is the standard term for the slot machine ('one-armed bandit') in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The bandits robbed [OBJECT] (e.g., the train).Bandits attacked/hijacked/ambushed [OBJECT].He was robbed by bandits.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “One-armed bandit (slot machine)”
- “Bandit country (lawless or dangerous area)”
- “Live like a bandit (to live well, especially by dubious means - informal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Metaphorically for an unethical competitor: 'Those price-cutting firms are just bandits.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/sociological contexts discussing rural crime or social banditry.
Everyday
Common in metaphorical/humorous use: 'My phone bill is a bandit!' or referring to a slot machine.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Archaic) The outlaws would bandit the stagecoaches crossing the moor.
American English
- (Archaic) Tales say they used to bandit travelers on the old trail.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- (Rare, attributive) They lived a bandit lifestyle in the hills.
American English
- (Rare, attributive) He had a certain bandit charm about him.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bandit wore a black mask.
- They saw a film about bandits on horses.
- The tourists were warned about bandits in the mountains.
- He lost all his money on the one-armed bandit at the casino.
- The area was once known as bandit country, where no police dared to go.
- The company was accused of being a price bandit, undercutting all competition unethically.
- The sociological concept of 'social banditry' describes robbers who are seen as heroes by the local populace.
- His bandit-like negotiation tactics, while effective, ruined his reputation in the industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BAND of robbers, hiding in a PIT - BAND-IT. They are a band of criminals.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNFAINSTITUTION/COMPETITOR IS A BANDIT ('The new tax is a real bandit.'); A MACHINE THAT TAKES MONEY IS A BANDIT ('one-armed bandit').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бандит' which is a closer match to 'gangster' or 'thug' and is more modern/urban. 'Bandit' in English can be more historical/romantic.
- The metaphorical uses (e.g., 'one-armed bandit') are fixed and must be learned.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bandit' for a solo, modern bank robber (better: 'robber', 'thief').
- Overusing the literal term in contemporary contexts where 'mugger', 'hijacker', or 'gangster' is more precise.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'bandit' LEAST likely to be used literally in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A bandit is a specific type of thief, typically one who uses open force or threat of violence, often as part of a group operating in remote areas. A 'thief' is a more general term.
Yes, it's common in informal, humorous complaints: 'That parking meter is a bandit!' meaning it takes too much money unfairly.
It's a colloquial and common term for a slot machine, implying it 'robs' you of your money (with its one 'arm'/handle).
No, it is considered archaic. The modern way to express the action is 'to rob like a bandit' or simply 'to rob'.