Spiv
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spiv is a British slang word for a person (invariably male) who makes a living by shady dealings, usually by selling goods of dubious provenance.
Although still occasionally heard today, the word spiv is generally associated with the Second World War and the period immediately after, when it came to be associated particularly with small-time crooks who dealt in black market goods, especially luxury items or goods subject to strict rationing, while avoiding military service.
The etymology is uncertain. It has been suggested that there is a link to "spiffy", "spiffed-up" and similar old fashioned slang; typically, the spiv dressed in conspicuously sharp clothing, such as a zoot suit. Another suggestion is VIPs spelled backward. However, the most likely origin is from Romani language word spiv (a sparrow) meaning a petty criminal or con-man.
The term is also popular in Australia, where former Prime Minister Paul Keating famously announced his intention to despiv the economy.
[edit] Popular culture
Cockney spivs in British films and television shows include:
- Flash Harry (played by George Cole in the St Trinian's comedy movies: The Belles of St Trinian's, Blue Murder at St Trinian's, The Pure Hell of St Trinian's and The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery).
- Arthur Daley (played by George Cole) in the television comedy series Minder.
- Private Joe Walker (played by James Beck) in the television series Dad's Army.
- Del Boy (played by David Jason) in the television comedy series Only Fools and Horses.
Other spivs in popular culture include:
- Rock-and-roller Chris Barber plays a Spiv to the hilt, sporting flashy clothes and teddy boy grooves with his band as SPIV
- Tosher the pimp (played by James Booth) in Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be, and in fact most of Booth's roles (see www.jamesbooth.org)
- A guest on Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge remarked that Alan "looks like a Mexican spiv" when he grows a moustache.
- In Medievil 2, a small, disheveled man known only as "the Spiv" sells you items and ammo throughout the game. He keeps all of his possessions in an oversized coat.
- A TISM song 'Channel Turd' reflects on reality TV. A lyric in the song declares that 'The director is a spiv'.
The Travellers Friend pub in Woodford Green is commonly known as 'The Spivs'
The word "spiv" is used in the lyrics to the Libertines song "What a Waster," the Chameleons song "Swamp Thing", and the Kinks song "Preservation".
