chiseler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, primarily informal/regional.Informal, colloquial. Potentially dated. More common in North American English, particularly in older or regional usage.
Quick answer
What does “chiseler” mean?
A person who swindles or cheats others, typically through petty or underhanded schemes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who swindles or cheats others, typically through petty or underhanded schemes.
One who haggles excessively or obtains something through sharp, often unethical, practice. Can also refer to a sculptor or craftsperson who uses a chisel (archaic/rare).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly encountered in American English. In British English, synonyms like 'swindler' or 'con artist' are often preferred.
Connotations
American: Strong association with petty urban crime or sharp business dealings. British: May sound slightly archaic or imported from American media.
Frequency
Uncommon in modern UK English; its use might mark the speaker as using American-influenced terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “chiseler” in a Sentence
chiseler of {something} (e.g., chiseler of fortunes)chiseler at {place} (e.g., chiseler at the racetrack)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chiseler” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The vendor was a bit of a chiseler, always finding a way to short-change you.
- He warned us about the chiselers operating around the tourist spots.
American English
- Don't trust him; he's a known chiseler who'll inflate the repair bill.
- The city was full of small-time chiselers trying to make a quick buck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to unscrupulous negotiators or those who shave margins dishonestly.
Academic
Rarely used. Might appear in historical or sociological texts discussing petty crime.
Everyday
Used to describe someone perceived as trying to get something for nothing or cheating in a small way.
Technical
Not applicable in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chiseler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chiseler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chiseler”
- Using it to mean a skilled craftsperson without clear context.
- Misspelling as 'chisellor'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered somewhat dated and informal. Synonyms like 'scammer' or 'fraudster' are more common in contemporary speech.
Extremely rarely. Its literal meaning referring to a sculptor is largely obsolete. In almost all modern contexts, it is pejorative.
A 'chiseler' typically implies smaller, more petty, or routine cheating. A 'con artist' suggests more elaborate, planned deceptions often involving a persona or story.
To 'chisel' (informal), meaning to swindle or cheat someone, e.g., 'He chiseled me out of fifty pounds.'
A person who swindles or cheats others, typically through petty or underhanded schemes.
Chiseler is usually informal, colloquial. potentially dated. more common in north american english, particularly in older or regional usage. in register.
Chiseler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪz.əl.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪz.əl.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As crooked as a three-pound note and twice as slippery, a real chiseler.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHISELer as someone who uses a verbal 'chisel' to chip away at your money or trust.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISHONESTY IS CARVING/SHAPING (unethically shaping a deal or situation to one's advantage).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'chiseler' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?