con job: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “con job” mean?
A deception, fraud, or swindle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A deception, fraud, or swindle; a trick meant to cheat someone.
Any act of persuasion or presentation that is fundamentally dishonest or misleading, often implying a sophisticated or convincing performance by the perpetrator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with identical meaning. 'Con' as a short form of 'confidence trick' is common in both.
Connotations
Slightly more colloquial/vivid than the formal 'fraud'. Can carry a tone of cynical admiration for the audacity of the trick.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but well-established in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “con job” in a Sentence
[Subject] pulled a con job on [Target].That whole [Event/Proposal] was a con job.It's a con job from start to finish.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “con job” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to con-job his way into the club, but the bouncer wasn't having it. (rare, informal)
American English
- She felt she'd been con-jobbed out of her inheritance. (rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- He's got a real con-job artist living next door. (as compound modifier)
American English
- It was a classic con-job operation, complete with fake IDs. (as compound modifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe fraudulent investment schemes or misleading sales pitches.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in sociology, criminology, or media studies discussing deception.
Everyday
Common in conversation to describe being tricked, e.g., in buying a faulty car or believing false promises.
Technical
Not technical; belongs to general informal vocabulary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “con job”
- Spelling as 'conjob' (should be two words or hyphenated: con-job).
- Using in overly formal contexts.
- Confusing with 'day job' – they are unrelated.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are very close synonyms. 'Con job' often emphasizes the interpersonal manipulation and performance aspect, originating from 'confidence trick'.
It is very rare and highly informal as a verb (e.g., 'to con-job someone'). The standard verb is simply 'to con'.
A 'hoax' is a deception for amusement, mischief, or to prove a point, often without direct financial gain. A 'con job' is specifically intended to cheat the victim, usually out of money or valuables.
Most standard dictionaries list it as two words: 'con job'. Hyphenation ('con-job') is also sometimes seen, especially when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., a con-job artist).
A deception, fraud, or swindle.
Con job is usually informal in register.
Con job: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn ˌdʒɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn ˌdʒɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A con job from start to finish.”
- “He could sell ice to Eskimos – it's all a con job.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONstruction JOB where the builder takes your money and runs away. A CON JOB is a constructed plan to take your money dishonestly.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE (the con artist 'plays' a role).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'con job' be LEAST appropriate?