Noun
/bʌŋkoʊ ˈstɪrər/
A "bunko steerer" refers to a person who deceives or swindles others, often through elaborate schemes or fraudulent activities. The term is derived from "bunko," which relates to trickery or swindling, and "steerer," indicating someone who leads or directs. This term is typically used in contexts involving scams or fraud, particularly in the realm of con artists.
The frequency of use for "bunko steerer" is relatively low, and it is more often found in written contexts, such as legal documents, crime reports, or literature focusing on con artists, than in casual conversation.
Полиция поймала обманщика, который обманывал пожилых людей в округе.
As a bunko steerer, he had perfected his techniques to manipulate trustworthy individuals.
Как обманщик, он совершенствовал свои техники манипуляции доверчивыми людьми.
The authorities are warning the public about a bunko steerer operating under the guise of a financial advisor.
Though "bunko steerer" is not widely used in idiomatic expressions, it conveys the broader concept of deception and trickery. Here are a few related idiomatic expressions:
Он пытался обмануть своего делового партнёра.
"to con someone"
Meaning: To trick or deceive someone, often to gain money.
Мошенник смог обмануть богатого инвестора на тысячи долларов.
"to play the angles"
Meaning: To manipulate a situation to one’s advantage, often in a deceitful way.
Она знала, как использовать ситуацию в своих интересах, чтобы получить то, что хотела от клиентов.
"to lead someone down the garden path"
Meaning: To deceive someone into believing something that is not true.
The word "bunko" has its roots in American slang and is derived from "bunco," a term that refers to a swindle or con game. It was popularized in the late 19th century, originally used to describe a particular kind of con involving dice or cards. The "steerer" part of the term comes from the verb “to steer,” meaning to guide or lead someone toward a particular course of action, often implying manipulation.
Synonyms:
- Con artist
- Swindler
- Fraudster
- Scammer
Antonyms:
- Honest person
- Straightforward individual
- Truth-teller