rip-off — something that is unreasonably expensive or of poor quality; an act of cheating someone
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: something that is unreasonably expensive or of poor quality; an act of cheating someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrɪp ɔːf/
Example Sentences
- The hotel minibar prices are such a rip-off that I'd rather walk to the moon for snacks.
- Don't get ripped off by that street vendor again!
- This designer handbag is a rip-off of a famous brand.
rip-off
NOUN[/ˈrɪp ɔːf/]
something that is unreasonably expensive or of poor quality; an act of cheating someone
something that is unreasonably expensive or of poor quality; an act of cheating someone
A tip-off at kick-off reveals the rip-off!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Originating from American slang in the 1960s, 'rip-off' combines the verb 'rip' (to tear or pull) with the particle 'off' (to remove or separate). The expression evolved to mean cheating someone or charging an excessive price, with the metaphorical sense of 'tearing away' someone's money through fraud or exploitation.
Breakdown
rip (tear, pull forcefully) + off (remove, separate) = to cheat or swindle; to charge excessively. The phrasal verb structure conveys the notion of violently extracting value or money from someone.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hotel minibar prices are such a rip-off that I'd rather walk to the moon for snacks.”
“Don't get ripped off by that street vendor again!”
“This designer handbag is a rip-off of a famous brand.”
“The concert tickets were such a rip-off that my wallet filed a police report.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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