cracksman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic / Literary / Slang
Quick answer
What does “cracksman” mean?
A burglar, especially one who breaks into safes or strongboxes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A burglar, especially one who breaks into safes or strongboxes.
A specialist thief skilled in breaking locks, safes, or other security devices. Historically, a term for a professional burglar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally archaic in both varieties. It may be slightly more familiar in British contexts due to its prevalence in classic British crime fiction.
Connotations
Connotes a bygone era of crime; may be used humorously or nostalgically. Not a term used in modern legal or law enforcement contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use in both regions. Almost exclusively encountered in historical texts or period dialogue.
Grammar
How to Use “cracksman” in a Sentence
[determiner] + cracksman + [verb phrase]the cracksman of [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cracksman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
American English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
American English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
American English
- [Not applicable; noun only]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary studies discussing crime terminology.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would sound odd or humorous.
Technical
Not used in modern security or criminology; obsolete.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cracksman”
- Using it to refer to a modern hacker. Using it in a serious, contemporary context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term rarely used in modern English outside of historical or literary contexts.
A cracksman is a specific type of burglar, one skilled in breaking into safes or strongboxes. 'Burglar' is the general term.
No, it cannot. The term is strictly historical and refers to physical safe-breaking. The modern equivalent for digital intrusion is 'hacker' or 'cracker'.
Dictionaries record the full history of a language. Words like 'cracksman' are kept because readers encounter them in classic literature, films, and historical texts.
A burglar, especially one who breaks into safes or strongboxes.
Cracksman is usually archaic / literary / slang in register.
Cracksman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræksmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræksmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man who CRACKS safes: a CRACKS-MAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A TRADE (implies a skilled profession).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'cracksman' be most appropriately used today?