Blacketeer

/ˌblækɪˈtɪr/ noun

Definition

A person who engages in blackmail or uses extortion to force money or favors from someone.

Etymology

Formed from 'blackmail' (a form of extortion) combined with the suffix '-eer' (meaning a person who does something, often negatively), popular in English since the 16th century for occupational nouns.

Kelly Says

The '-eer' suffix gave us 'musketeer' (soldier with musket) and 'mountaineer' (mountain climber), but it often implies someone doing something shady—which is why 'blacketeer' pairs perfectly with the extortion meaning of 'black.'

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