What is the etymology of the slang term "grifter"? - Quora
Answer (1 of 9): A person who engages in petty or small-scale swindling. "I saw him as a grifter who preys upon people" Grifter" is an American invention, dating back to the early 20th century, but appears to be based on the slightly older slang term "grafter," also meaning "swindler," "con man...