Griff

/ɡrɪf/ noun

Definition

A swindle or small-scale scam, or a person who engages in petty fraud (primarily Australian slang).

Etymology

Australian slang of unclear origin, possibly from 'griffin' (a mythical creature that was half-eagle, half-lion, suggesting something not real) or from underworld argot. Documented in Australian English since early 1900s.

Kelly Says

Australian slang is incredibly creative—'griff' is part of a whole rich vocabulary of con-artist terms, reflecting the convict origins of the country and centuries of clever survival through creative deception.

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