What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ripoff
Example
I can't believe they charged me $50 for this tiny bottle of water. What a ripoff! [ripoff: noun]
Example
The mechanic charged me $500 for a simple oil change. That's such a ripoff! [ripoff: adjective]
scam
Example
Be careful of online scams that ask for your personal information or credit card details. [scams: noun]
Example
The company promised to double my investment in a week, but it turned out to be a scam. [scam: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scam is more commonly used than ripoff in everyday language. Scam is a more serious and illegal activity that is often reported in the news and discussed in public discourse. Whereas, ripoff is less common and usually used in informal conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ripoff and scam?
Both ripoff and scam are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, scam may be considered more formal than ripoff due to its association with criminal activity and legal consequences.
