A thief who steals items from people's pockets or bags without being noticed, usually in crowded places like markets or trains.
Compound word from 'pick' (to steal) and 'pocket' (clothing). The term emerged in the 1600s when pickpocketing became widespread in crowded European cities.
Modern pickpockets are actually less common than in the 1900s because of security cameras—but con artists have simply evolved into more sophisticated schemes like online scams!
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