gyp

1 of 2

noun

ˈjip 

plural gyps

1

British, dated : a college employee who performs varied tasks for students

2

informal + offensive; see usage paragraph below

a

: someone who cheats or swindles others

b

: an act or instance of cheating : fraud, swindle

Usage of Gyp

Gyp is associated with—and likely comes from—Gypsy, a term for a Rom person or for the Romani language. Although Gypsy is still used by some Roma as a neutral or positive self-descriptor, its use by others evokes negative stereotypes and is increasingly considered offensive. Due to their association with Gypsy and to their inherently negative meanings, the uses of gyp relating to cheating and swindling are widely regarded as offensive.

gyp

2 of 2

verb

gypped; gypping; gyps

transitive + intransitive

informal + offensive : to cheat or swindle (someone) see usage paragraph at gyp entry 1

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably short for gypsy

First Known Use

Noun

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1879, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gyp

• give (someone) gyp

Kids Definition

gyp

1 of 2 noun

ˈjip 

informal, offensive

1

: cheat entry 2 sense 2, swindler

2

: swindle entry 2, fraud

gyp

2 of 2 verb

gypped; gypping

informal, offensive

: cheat entry 1 sense 1, swindle