Top 30 Slang For Crimes – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to the world of crime, language plays a crucial role in how we discuss and understand illegal activities. From petty theft to organized crime, our team has compiled a list of the most intriguing and commonly used slang terms for crimes. Get ready to delve into the underworld of language and expand your knowledge on this fascinating topic. Let’s uncover the hidden meanings behind these criminal slang terms together!

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1. Job

In slang, a “job” refers to a criminal act or robbery. It can be used to describe any illegal activity, but it often specifically refers to theft or robbery.

For example, “He’s been planning a big job for months.”
In a crime novel, a character might say, “I need a crew for a job I have in mind.”
A detective might say, “We’re investigating a series of bank jobs in the area.”

2. Caper

A “caper” is a term used to describe a mischievous or illegal act, often involving theft or pranks. It is typically used in a lighthearted or playful manner.

For instance, “Let’s pull off a little caper and steal all the office supplies.”
In a comedy film, a character might say, “We’re going on a wild caper to steal the crown jewels.”
A group of friends might plan a caper to play a prank on someone.

3. Heist

A “heist” is a term used to describe a robbery or theft, typically involving a large amount of money or valuable items. It often implies a well-planned and executed crime.

For example, “They pulled off a daring heist and stole millions from the bank.”
In a crime documentary, a narrator might say, “The heist was meticulously planned and executed with precision.”
A detective might say, “We’re investigating a series of high-profile heists in the city.”

4. Score

In slang, a “score” refers to a successful theft or robbery. It can also be used more broadly to describe any successful accomplishment.

For instance, “They pulled off a big score and got away with millions.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “That goal was a great score.”
A group of friends might celebrate a successful night out by saying, “We scored big tonight!”

5. Stick-up

A “stick-up” is a term used to describe a robbery or theft that involves a weapon, typically a gun, and the threat of violence. It specifically refers to a robbery at gunpoint.

For example, “There was a stick-up at the convenience store last night.”
In a crime novel, a character might say, “The gang planned a series of stick-ups to fund their operation.”
A police officer might say, “We’re searching for the suspects involved in the recent stick-up.”

6. Boost

To “boost” means to steal or take something without permission. It is often used in the context of shoplifting or stealing items from a store.

For example, “He boosted a pair of sneakers from the store.”
A person might say, “I need to boost some cash to pay my bills.”
In a crime movie, a character might say, “Let’s boost that car and make a quick getaway.”

7. Cap

To “cap” someone means to kill them, usually by shooting them. This term is commonly used in urban slang or in the context of gang-related violence.

For instance, “He got capped in a drive-by shooting.”
A person might say, “I heard they capped him for disrespecting the gang.”
In a crime novel, a character might say, “The hitman capped his target without hesitation.”

8. Grift

To “grift” someone means to deceive or scam them, typically for financial gain. This term is often used in the context of con artists or fraudulent schemes.

For example, “He grifted unsuspecting victims out of their life savings.”
A person might say, “Be careful not to fall for their grift.”
In a movie about con artists, a character might say, “The grifter pulled off an elaborate scheme to steal the priceless artwork.”

9. Racket

A “racket” refers to an illegal business or operation that involves making money through illegal activities. It can also refer to organized crime syndicates.

For instance, “He was involved in a drug racket.”
A person might say, “They run a protection racket in this neighborhood.”
In a documentary about organized crime, a narrator might say, “The mafia controlled various rackets, including gambling and extortion.”

10. Hit

To “hit” someone means to carry out an assassination or murder. This term is often used in the context of organized crime or contract killings.

For example, “He hired a hitman to take out his rival.”
A person might say, “They put a hit on him for crossing the wrong people.”
In a crime thriller, a character might say, “The assassin was sent to hit the target and eliminate any witnesses.”

11. Knockover

This term refers to a robbery or theft, often involving a quick and sudden attack or theft. It can also be used to describe a successful heist or robbery.

For example, “The gang planned a knockover of the jewelry store.”
In a crime novel, a character might say, “He pulled off the perfect knockover.”
A news headline might read, “Bank knockover leads to high-speed chase and arrest.”

12. Rip-off

This term refers to a dishonest or unfair transaction, where someone is deceived or cheated out of their money or possessions. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is overcharged or charged excessively for a product or service.

For instance, “The online seller turned out to be a rip-off artist.”
In a conversation about a bad purchase, someone might say, “That store is a total rip-off.”
A consumer might warn others by saying, “Be careful, it’s a rip-off!”

13. Stick

This term refers to a street robbery or assault, often involving the threat or use of a weapon. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is coerced or forced into giving up their belongings.

For example, “He was a victim of a stick on his way home.”
In a crime documentary, an expert might explain, “The stick is a common crime in urban areas.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I got stuck at gunpoint and lost all my valuables.”

14. Whack

This term refers to a killing or murder, often used in the context of organized crime or assassination. It can also be used to describe a violent or deadly attack.

For instance, “They found him dead, a clear case of a whack.”
In a crime novel, a detective might say, “We’re dealing with a professional hitman, someone who knows how to whack without leaving a trace.”
A news report might state, “Local gang leader found whacked in his own home.”

15. Burg

This term refers to a burglary or break-in, where someone unlawfully enters a building or premises with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of committing a burglary.

For example, “The house was burglarized while the owners were on vacation.”
In a crime prevention seminar, an expert might say, “Make sure you secure your windows and doors to prevent a burg.”
A news headline might read, “Serial burg strikes again, residents urged to be cautious.”

16. Jack

To steal or take something without permission or unlawfully. The term “jack” is often used to refer to theft or stealing in a casual or slang sense.

For example, “He jacked my phone when I wasn’t looking.”
In a discussion about crime, someone might say, “Carjackings have been on the rise in the city.”
A person might warn, “Don’t leave your bag unattended, or someone might jack it.”

17. Pinch

To arrest or apprehend someone, usually by law enforcement. “Pinch” is a slang term often used to refer to the act of getting caught or arrested for a crime.

For instance, “The police finally pinched the suspect after a long investigation.”
In a conversation about crime, someone might say, “If you keep stealing, you’re bound to get pinched eventually.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to get pinched for shoplifting.”

18. Jobbery

Engaging in corrupt practices or dishonesty, especially in relation to business or public office. “Jobbery” is a slang term often used to refer to bribery or corruption.

For example, “The mayor was involved in all sorts of jobbery during his time in office.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “The jobbery in this government is rampant.”
A person might criticize, “The system is broken when jobbery goes unpunished.”

19. Hijack

To seize control of a vehicle, aircraft, or other means of transportation by force or threat of force. “Hijack” is a term often used to describe the act of taking over a vehicle or transportation for unlawful purposes.

For instance, “The terrorists attempted to hijack the plane.”
In a conversation about security, someone might say, “Airports have implemented stricter measures to prevent hijackings.”
A person might ask, “What would you do if someone tried to hijack your car?”

20. Ponzi

A fraudulent investment scheme where returns for older investors are paid with funds from new investors, rather than from actual profits. The term “Ponzi” is often used to describe a type of financial fraud.

For example, “He was arrested for running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of people.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might say, “Be careful of investment opportunities that seem too good to be true, they could be Ponzi schemes.”
A person might warn, “Don’t fall for Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns.”

21. Smuggle

To smuggle is to illegally transport goods, drugs, or people across borders or through restricted areas. It involves evading customs or other law enforcement authorities.

For example, “The criminals attempted to smuggle drugs across the border in hidden compartments of their vehicle.”
In a news article about illegal wildlife trade, it might be mentioned, “The smugglers were caught trying to smuggle rare bird species.”
A person discussing the consequences of smuggling might say, “Smuggling can result in hefty fines and imprisonment if caught.”

22. Scam

A scam is a fraudulent scheme or operation designed to deceive or defraud individuals or organizations. It often involves tricking victims into giving away money or personal information.

For instance, “I received an email from a scammer claiming I won a lottery I never entered.”
In a discussion about online scams, someone might warn, “Beware of phishing scams that try to steal your login credentials.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I fell victim to a scam where someone posed as a tech support agent and convinced me to give them access to my computer.”

23. Extort

To extort is to obtain something, usually money, from someone by force, threats, or blackmail. It involves coercing or pressuring the victim into giving in to the demands.

For example, “The criminal tried to extort money from the business owner by threatening to reveal damaging information.”
In a news report about organized crime, it might be mentioned, “The gang was known for extorting local businesses for protection money.”
A person discussing the legal consequences of extortion might say, “Extortion is a serious crime that can lead to lengthy prison sentences.”

24. Swindle

To swindle is to cheat or deceive someone, typically by gaining their trust and then taking advantage of them for personal gain. It involves tricking the victim into giving away money or valuable items.

For instance, “The con artist swindled unsuspecting individuals by selling them fake investment opportunities.”
In a discussion about consumer protection, someone might warn, “Be cautious of online sellers who may try to swindle you with counterfeit products.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I was swindled by a smooth-talking salesperson who sold me a faulty product.”

25. Bootleg

To bootleg is to illegally produce, distribute, or sell goods, especially alcohol or copyrighted material. It involves operating outside of legal regulations or licensing requirements.

For example, “During the Prohibition era, many individuals resorted to bootlegging alcohol.”
In a discussion about music piracy, someone might mention, “Downloading bootlegged albums is a violation of copyright laws.”
A person discussing the impact of bootlegging might say, “Bootlegging can harm legitimate businesses and artists by undercutting their sales and profits.”

26. Launder

In the context of crimes, “launder” refers to the act of making illegally obtained money appear legal by passing it through a legitimate business or financial institution. This process involves disguising the source of funds to avoid detection.

For example, “He was arrested for money laundering after authorities discovered he had been using his restaurant to launder drug money.”
In a discussion about organized crime, someone might say, “Money laundering is a key component of many criminal enterprises.”
A news article might report, “Authorities uncovered a massive money laundering operation involving several high-profile individuals.”

27. Pirate

In the context of crimes, “pirate” refers to the act of illegally copying or distributing copyrighted material, such as movies, music, or software, without permission from the copyright holder. This term is often used in the digital realm.

For instance, “He was sued for pirating movies and had to pay hefty fines.”
In a conversation about online piracy, someone might say, “Downloading copyrighted material without permission is considered pirating.”
A news headline might read, “Music industry cracks down on online pirates.”

28. Fence

In the context of crimes, a “fence” refers to a person who buys and sells stolen goods. They act as a middleman between thieves and potential buyers, providing a way for stolen items to enter the market without attracting suspicion.

For example, “The police arrested the fence who had been selling stolen jewelry.”
In a discussion about the black market, someone might say, “Fences play a crucial role in facilitating the sale of stolen goods.”
A news article might report, “Authorities busted a major fencing operation, recovering millions of dollars worth of stolen merchandise.”

29. Fix

In the context of crimes, “fix” refers to manipulating or arranging the outcome of a competition or event, usually for personal gain. This term is often associated with sports, but can also apply to other situations where a desired outcome is predetermined.

For instance, “The referee was bribed to fix the outcome of the game.”
In a discussion about corruption in sports, someone might say, “Match-fixing is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the game.”
A news headline might read, “Investigation uncovers widespread match-fixing scandal.”

30. Frame

In the context of crimes, “frame” refers to falsely incriminating someone for a crime they did not commit. This involves planting evidence or creating a false narrative to make it appear as though the person is guilty.

For example, “He was framed for the murder of his business partner.”
In a conversation about wrongful convictions, someone might say, “Many innocent people have been framed for crimes they didn’t commit.”
A news article might report, “New evidence suggests that the suspect was framed by a corrupt police officer.”