What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grifter
Example
The grifter convinced the elderly woman to give him her life savings. [grifter: noun]
Example
He was grifting his way through life, always looking for the next mark. [grifting: verb]
swindler
Example
The swindler promised to double their investment but disappeared with their money. [swindler: noun]
Example
She was caught swindling customers out of their money at the casino. [swindling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swindler is more commonly used than grifter in everyday language, and is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grifter and swindler?
Both grifter and swindler are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation or in reference to criminal activity.