keating
Very lowInformal / Slang (primarily Australian)
Definition
Meaning
A surname of Irish origin, historically used as a proper noun. In contemporary Australian slang, a term referring to an act of cheating or deception, especially in card games.
Informally, can refer to any act of swindling or dishonest practice. Rarely, as a verb, to engage in such deception.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a common noun, usage is almost exclusively Australian slang and highly context-dependent. It is not widely recognized in international English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The surname is known but not used as a common noun. The slang meaning is absent in British and American English.
Connotations
In British/American contexts, only evokes the surname (e.g., former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating). In Australian slang, carries negative connotations of fraud.
Frequency
As a common noun, frequency is negligible outside of specific Australian contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to pull a keating (on someone)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to do a Keating”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rare, limited to informal Australian contexts discussing dishonesty.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I think he did a keating during the poker game.
- The whole investment scheme turned out to be an elaborate keating.
- Accused of pulling a keating on his business partners, he faced serious social repercussions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person named Keating who is known for playing tricks during a card game.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS A NAMED PERSON / A SPECIFIC TRICK
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'Китинг'. For the slang meaning, use 'обман', 'надувательство', 'мошенничество'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common noun in formal or international contexts where it will not be understood.
- Capitalizing it when used in its slang sense (often kept lowercase).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'keating' used as a slang term for cheating?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, as a common noun meaning 'a cheat', it is non-standard Australian slang. Its standard use is as a proper noun (surname).
Only if referring to the surname in a proper context. The slang usage is inappropriate for formal writing.
It is derived from the surname Keating, historically associated with figures involved in controversial or deceptive acts in Australian context.
It is pronounced /ˈkiːtɪŋ/, with a long 'ee' sound, identical to the surname.