French word

arnaquer

Pronunciation

IPA/aʁnake/

Meaning

  • verbrip off

Example

Le vendeur a arnaqué plusieurs clients.

The seller ripped off several customers.

Illustration for arnaquer (rip off)

More examples

Ils ont arnaqué des touristes avec de faux billets.

They scammed tourists with counterfeit bills.

Core concept

A polished setup that diverts attention while taking money or another advantage.

Common phrases

  • arnaquer quelqu'un

    scam someone

  • se faire arnaquer

    get scammed

  • arnaquer par téléphone

    scam over the phone

Similar words

tromper: To cause someone to believe something false through words or actions.
escroquer: To take someone's money through fraud, lies, or other dishonest methods.
berner: To fool someone in a way that betrays their trust and leaves them worse off.

Definition in French

Dérober de l'argent ou un avantage à quelqu'un par des artifices, des mensonges ou en profitant d'une situation.

Word origin

Arnaquer is a colloquial verb formed from the noun arnaque, which entered French usage in the nineteenth century, while the noun's deeper origin remains uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The common passive pattern is se faire arnaquer, meaning to become the victim of a scam or swindle.

Other meanings

  • swindleverb

Related words

  • arnaquescamnoun
  • arnaqueurscammernoun
  • arnaquéscammedadjective

Word lists with this word