con game: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, somewhat colloquial. Common in journalism, everyday speech, and crime-related contexts. Avoid in very formal writing.
Quick answer
What does “con game” mean?
A dishonest scheme designed to trick someone into giving away money or valuables, based on gaining their trust or exploiting their greed/naivety.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dishonest scheme designed to trick someone into giving away money or valuables, based on gaining their trust or exploiting their greed/naivety.
Any deceptive or manipulative practice intended to defraud or exploit someone; can be used metaphorically for non-financial deception (e.g., in politics or relationships).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. In the UK, "con trick" or just "con" are equally common. In the US, "con game," "scam," and "confidence game" are standard.
Connotations
Equally negative in both. The American usage may carry a slight cultural association with classic, organized grifts (e.g., the shell game, Ponzi schemes).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English. In British English, "scam" or "fraud" might be more common in formal reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “con game” in a Sentence
[Subject] runs/operates a con game on [Victim].[Victim] fell for/became the target of a con game.It was nothing but a con game.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “con game” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb; use 'con' instead) He tried to con me with an elaborate game involving fake gold.
American English
- (Not standard as a verb; use 'scam' or 'grift') They attempted to run a classic con game on the tourists.
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective; use 'fraudulent') He was a con-game artist of the old school.
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective; use 'scam' attributively) She exposed their con-game operation to the police.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe fraudulent investment schemes, fake business opportunities, or invoice scams.
Academic
Rare; might appear in criminology, sociology, or psychology papers studying fraud and deceptive practices.
Everyday
Common when warning someone about a suspicious offer or describing being cheated. "I think that website is running a con game."
Technical
Used in legal and law enforcement contexts to categorize a specific type of fraud involving confidence trickery.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “con game”
- Spelling: 'congame' (incorrect, must be two words or hyphenated: con-game).
- Using it as a verb: 'He con-gamed me' (non-standard; use 'conned' or 'scammed').
- Confusing with 'con' meaning a disadvantage (e.g., 'pros and cons').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are very similar. A 'con game' is a specific type of scam that emphasizes the psychological manipulation and building of trust ('confidence'). All con games are scams, but not all scams are as elaborately theatrical as a classic con game.
Yes, metaphorically. People might describe a dishonest sales tactic, a manipulative relationship, or deceptive political rhetoric as a 'con game' to highlight its exploitative and deceptive nature.
A prank is intended as a joke or harmless trick, often revealed afterward. A con game is malicious, intended for permanent financial gain or serious advantage, and the perpetrator tries never to be discovered.
The most common and standard form is two words: 'con game'. The hyphenated form 'con-game' is less common but acceptable, especially when used as a compound modifier (e.g., 'a con-game operation'). 'Congame' as one word is incorrect.
A dishonest scheme designed to trick someone into giving away money or valuables, based on gaining their trust or exploiting their greed/naivety.
Con game is usually informal, somewhat colloquial. common in journalism, everyday speech, and crime-related contexts. avoid in very formal writing. in register.
Con game: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn ˌɡeɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn ˌɡeɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a con game from start to finish.”
- “Don't play his con game.”
- “The whole thing was one big con game.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CON artist playing a GAME with your trust. The CON is the trick, and the GAME is their planned scheme.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A GAME / THEATER (e.g., 'running a game,' 'playing a role,' 'the stakes are high').
Practice
Quiz
What is the essential element that distinguishes a 'con game' from other thefts?