WordGarden.iogyp
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈɪp/
US
- /ˈdʒɪp/
Meanings
Verb
to cheat or swindle someone, using an offensive term drawing on a derogatory stereotype associated with Roma/Gypsy identity
Noun
an offensive term for a swindle, rip-off, or unfair deal, drawing on a derogatory stereotype associated with Roma/Gypsy identity
pain, discomfort, or trouble
gypsum or gypsum board in construction jargon
Beyond the definition
To "gyp" someone means to cheat or trick them, often by taking their money or giving them less than they paid for. It usually describes a dishonest act, like overcharging someone or selling them something fake. But this word has a harmful history, so it is best avoided in modern English.
The term is widely linked to "Gypsy," a word that has been used against Roma people in a negative way. Because of that link, many people hear "gyp" as offensive, not just casual slang. Today, it is usually better to say "cheat," "swindle," "rip off," or "scam" instead. For example: "He felt cheated after buying a fake designer handbag."
"Gyp" is a verb meaning to deceive, swindle, or cheat someone, usually in a deal, sale, or exchange that turns out to be unfair. It suggests a dishonest act in which one person takes advantage of another for money or gain. Older examples include sentences like, "The contractor gypped her by charging high prices for poor work," or, "Don't let that car salesman gyp you."
Even so, the word is not just an ordinary synonym for "rip off." Its history is widely understood to come from "Gypsy," used here as a slur tied to a false stereotype about Roma people being dishonest. Because of that background, many speakers consider the word offensive, even when the speaker does not mean it that way.
Some people still use the term casually, especially if they learned it long ago without knowing its origin. But using it can still repeat that stereotype and cause harm. In careful modern usage, it is better to choose clear alternatives such as "cheat," "swindle," "defraud," "rip off," or "scam." This makes the meaning plain without carrying the ethnic insult built into the older word.
Examples
- 1
Feeling Cheated
He felt gypped after paying full price for a scratched phone.
- Caution
Many people avoid "gypped" because the word is offensive; "cheated" or "ripped off" is safer.
- 2
Ticket Scam
Tourists complained that they were being gypped by fake ticket sellers.
- 3
Complaint Email
I wouldn't use the word gyp in a complaint email, even if I thought the company had cheated me.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gypnounverb
Forms
- gyppedpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- gypspluralnounverb
- gypping-ing formverbnoun