What does ripoff mean?
Ripoff is an informal term for something overpriced or of conspicuously poor value, and also for an act of cheating, swindling, or extortion. As a verb, rip off means to deceive someone, charge them unfairly, or take their money or property dishonestly. The expression is chiefly associated with American English but is now understood in British English as well. Its force often comes from suggesting that a transaction was not merely badly judged but fundamentally unfair. For that reason, ripoff can be a forceful or accusatory word, and claims that something is a ripoff may be disputed. The word is especially common in discussion of tourism, retail pricing, ticketing, repairs, warranties, and other consumer transactions. In formal writing, more neutral terms such as overcharge, fraud, scam, or excessive price may be more suitable.
Something regarded as overpriced or of poor value, or an instance of cheating or swindling.
"The concert ticket prices were such a ripoff that many people refused to go."
The word is informal and often expresses the speaker's judgment that a transaction was unfair or dishonest.
To cheat, overcharge, or steal from someone.
"The garage tried to rip off customers by charging for work it had never performed."
Usually transitive and informal; the sense can be stronger or more accusatory than fraud or overcharge.
Both ripoffs and rip-offs are standard; the hyphenated form is common when the word precedes another noun, as in rip-off schemes.
"Tourists complained about several ripoffs at the airport."
Calling something a ripoff says not merely that it is expensive, but that the deal was unfair or dishonest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ripoff come from?
The compound arose in American English in the late nineteenth century, with early uses associated with theft or swindling. Its meaning later broadened to include excessive charges and the sale of goods considered overpriced, while the verb developed in parallel with or from the noun. The first element belongs to the older verb family represented by rip and related forms, whereas off has an independent history.
Related word forms
How ripoff is actually used
Informal and frequently accusatory. The verb is normally transitive and strongly informal; neutral or formal alternatives may be preferable in professional, legal, or editorial contexts.