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.
Spiv is also used as a slang term for semen. Similar to 'Spunk.' It is a adolescent term and would be used by youths in their early teens. e.g. "I spivved up for the first time last night."
[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 comedy 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 the Spiv to the hilt, with flashy clothes and teddy boy grooves in his band SPIV. * http://www.spiv.com
- 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 remarks that Alan "looks like a Mexican spiv" when he grows a moustache.
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".
Spiv is futhermore the handle of a computer/mediaartist starting up in 1990 one the Computer Amiga) Computer-Demoscene
