gyp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “gyp” mean?
to cheat, swindle, or defraud someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to cheat, swindle, or defraud someone
to cause sharp pain or discomfort (especially 'gyp' as a noun meaning 'pain'); also, an act of cheating or a swindle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the noun phrase 'give (someone) gyp' meaning 'to cause pain or trouble' is common and idiomatic. In American English, the verb meaning 'to cheat' is more recognized, though increasingly avoided.
Connotations
UK: Informal, sometimes lighthearted in the 'pain' sense. US: Primarily negative and potentially offensive due to ethnic connotations.
Frequency
The verb is rare in modern AmE due to sensitivity. The noun (pain) is uncommon in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “gyp” in a Sentence
[Subject] gyps [Object] (out of [something])[Subject] is giving [Indirect Object] gypVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gyp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I think that market trader gypped me out of a fiver.
- He felt he'd been gypped on the deal.
American English
- The scam totally gypped hundreds of elderly victims. (Note: example illustrates usage, but term is discouraged.)
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial use)
American English
- (No common adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- It was a gyp joint. (dated/offensive)
American English
- (No common adjective use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Avoid. Use 'defraud', 'overcharge', or 'swindle'.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal and potentially offensive; best avoided.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gyp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gyp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gyp”
- Spelling it as 'jip' or 'gip'.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it without awareness of its offensive potential.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the verb meaning 'to cheat' is widely considered offensive due to its probable derogatory origin from 'Gypsy'. It should be avoided.
'Rip off' is a more neutral, informal synonym without the offensive connotations. It is the preferred term.
Yes, the informal phrase 'give (someone) gyp' meaning 'cause pain' is still used in British English, though some may avoid it due to the verb's history.
Use 'swindle', 'cheat', 'defraud', 'con', or 'rip off' depending on the context and register.
to cheat, swindle, or defraud someone.
Gyp is usually informal in register.
Gyp: in British English it is pronounced /dʒɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone gyp (UK informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GYP' sounds like 'JIP' (as in 'get jipped'), which is a common misspelling of the offensive term. Remember it's linked to 'cheating'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEATING IS TAKING / PAIN IS AN AGGRESSOR (giving someone gyp)
Practice
Quiz
Which use of 'gyp' is considered the least problematic in modern English?