Top 18 Slang For Exploited – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing sensitive topics like exploitation, having the right language is crucial. We’ve gathered a list of slang terms that are commonly used to describe situations of exploitation, shedding light on this important issue in a way that is both informative and accessible. Join us as we navigate through this list and empower ourselves with the knowledge to recognize and address exploitation in all its forms.

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1. Used

This term refers to being exploited or taken advantage of by someone else for their own benefit or gain.

For example, “He felt used after his friend borrowed money and never paid it back.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “I always feel used by my partner, like they only want me for my money.”
A person might express their frustration by saying, “I’m tired of being used by people who only care about what I can do for them.”

2. Taken for a ride

This slang phrase means being fooled or deceived by someone, often resulting in a negative outcome or loss.

For instance, “He was taken for a ride by a scam artist who promised him a lucrative investment.”
In a story about a con artist, one might say, “The protagonist was taken for a ride by a charming fraudster.”
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful who you trust, or you might end up being taken for a ride.”

3. Worked over

To be “worked over” means to be manipulated or taken advantage of by someone, often in a forceful or unfair manner.

For example, “He felt like he was being worked over by his boss, who constantly gave him extra tasks without compensation.”
In a discussion about unfair business practices, someone might say, “Employees are often worked over by companies that prioritize profit over their well-being.”
A person might express their frustration by saying, “I’m tired of being worked over by people who only care about their own success.”

4. Fleeced

This term refers to being deceived or cheated out of money or resources by someone else.

For instance, “He was fleeced by a smooth-talking salesman who sold him a fake product.”
In a story about a con artist, one might say, “The protagonist was fleeced by a group of skilled swindlers.”
A person might warn others by saying, “Watch out for scams, or you might end up being fleeced.”

5. Played

To be “played” means to be manipulated or deceived by someone for their own benefit or amusement.

For example, “He felt played by his friends, who tricked him into doing their homework.”
In a discussion about toxic relationships, someone might say, “I always end up getting played by people who only care about themselves.”
A person might express their anger by saying, “I’m not going to let myself get played like that again.”

6. Hustled

To be hustled means to be scammed or deceived, often in a financial context. It refers to being taken advantage of or tricked into a disadvantageous situation.

For example, “I got hustled by that shady salesman who sold me a fake Rolex.”
In a discussion about online scams, someone might say, “Be careful not to get hustled by those phishing emails.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I was hustled out of my life savings by a smooth-talking con artist.”

7. Victimized

To be victimized means to be exploited or taken advantage of, often in a negative or harmful way. It refers to being treated unfairly or subjected to mistreatment.

For instance, “She was victimized by her abusive partner for years.”
In a conversation about workplace harassment, someone might say, “No one should be victimized by their colleagues.”
A person sharing their story might say, “I was victimized by a fraudulent investment scheme and lost all my money.”

8. Misused

To be misused means to be abused or mistreated, often in a way that goes against its intended purpose or function. It refers to something being used improperly or inappropriately.

For example, “The company’s funds were misused by the corrupt CEO.”
In a discussion about power dynamics, someone might say, “Authority should never be misused to oppress others.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I felt misused in my previous job, where my skills were not utilized properly.”

9. Abused

To be abused means to be mistreated or subjected to physical, emotional, or psychological harm. It refers to being treated with cruelty or violence.

For instance, “She was abused by her partner for years before seeking help.”
In a conversation about child welfare, someone might say, “No child should ever be abused by their caregivers.”
A person sharing their story might say, “I was abused as a child, and it took me a long time to heal from the trauma.”

10. Manipulated

To be manipulated means to be coerced or influenced in a deceptive or dishonest manner. It refers to being controlled or guided towards a desired outcome by someone else.

For example, “He manipulated his colleagues into doing all the work while taking credit for their achievements.”
In a discussion about emotional abuse, someone might say, “Manipulative tactics are often used to control and dominate the victim.”
A person sharing their experience might say, “I was manipulated into making decisions that were not in my best interest.”

11. Leveraged

When someone is “leveraged,” it means they are being used or taken advantage of for personal gain. The term often implies that the person being leveraged is being manipulated or exploited for someone else’s benefit.

For example, in a business context, one might say, “The company leveraged its employees’ skills to increase profits.”
In a personal relationship, someone might say, “He leveraged his partner’s love and trust to borrow money.”
In a political setting, one might comment, “The politician leveraged the public’s fears to gain support for his agenda.”

12. Exploited

When someone is “exploited,” it means they are being used or manipulated for someone else’s benefit, often without their consent or fair compensation. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person being exploited is being treated unfairly or unjustly.

For instance, in a workplace, one might say, “The employees felt exploited by their demanding boss.”
In a discussion about labor rights, someone might argue, “Many workers are exploited by low wages and unsafe working conditions.”
In a personal context, one might say, “She felt exploited by her partner who constantly took advantage of her kindness.”

13. Cheated

When someone is “cheated,” it means they have been deceived or tricked into believing something false or unfair. The term implies a violation of trust or a breach of honesty, often resulting in a sense of being exploited or taken advantage of.

For example, in a game or competition, one might say, “He cheated by using an unfair advantage.”
In a romantic relationship, someone might say, “She cheated on her partner by having an affair.”
In a business context, one might comment, “The company cheated its customers by selling faulty products.”

14. Deceived

When someone is “deceived,” it means they have been tricked or misled into believing something false or untrue. The term implies a sense of being exploited or taken advantage of through manipulation or dishonesty.

For instance, in a scam or fraud, one might say, “He deceived people into investing in a fake business.”
In a personal relationship, someone might say, “She deceived her partner by hiding her true intentions.”
In a political context, one might comment, “The politician deceived the public with promises he had no intention of keeping.”

15. Oppressed

When someone is “oppressed,” it means they are being subjected to unjust treatment or control, often by a more powerful individual or group. The term implies a systematic or prolonged exploitation of power, resulting in the suppression or restriction of the oppressed person’s rights or freedoms.

For example, in a totalitarian regime, one might say, “The citizens are oppressed by the authoritarian government.”
In a discussion about social justice, someone might argue, “Minority groups have been historically oppressed by systemic racism.”
In a workplace context, one might comment, “The employees feel oppressed by their oppressive boss’s demands and lack of empathy.”

16. Ill-treated

Ill-treated refers to being treated poorly or abused in some way. It can be used to describe situations where someone is subjected to unfair or cruel treatment.

For example, “The workers at that factory are ill-treated and not given proper breaks.”
In a discussion about workplace conditions, someone might say, “Employees who are ill-treated are more likely to experience burnout and decreased job satisfaction.”
A person might share a personal experience by saying, “I was ill-treated by my previous boss, which is why I decided to quit.”

17. Overworked

Overworked refers to being given an excessive amount of work or being burdened with too many responsibilities. It implies a heavy workload that may be difficult to manage.

For instance, “She is constantly overworked and rarely has time for herself.”
In a conversation about work-life balance, someone might say, “Many people suffer from burnout due to being overworked.”
A person might complain, “I’m tired of being overworked and not getting paid enough for my efforts.”

18. Gouged

Gouged is a term used to describe being exploited or taken advantage of, often in a financial sense. It implies being charged an exorbitant amount or being subjected to unfair pricing.

For example, “The prices at that store are gouged, and customers are being ripped off.”
In a discussion about consumer rights, someone might say, “It’s important to be aware of price gouging and report any instances.”
A person might share a personal experience by saying, “I felt gouged when I had to pay double the usual price for a concert ticket.”