Cardshark

/ˈkɑːrdʃɑːrk/ noun

Definition

A skilled card player, especially one who cheats or exploits other players for money.

Etymology

Compound of card and shark (from Dutch schurke or associated with predatory behavior), implying someone who 'preys' on other card players.

Kelly Says

The word 'shark' for a cheater comes from the 1600s when shady characters hung around docks and were called 'sharks'—by the 1800s any predatory expert became a 'shark,' whether with cards or pool.

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