What does tipster mean?
A tipster is a person who supplies tips—usually predictions, recommendations, or inside information, especially about races, sports, or other betting markets. The word can also refer, particularly in older journalistic usage, to an informer who provides information to police or another authority. In contemporary betting and sports writing, it usually carries a mildly promotional or skeptical tone: calling someone a respected tipster suggests expertise, while questioning whether someone is a genuine tipster can imply that their claims are unreliable. Its etymology reflects this older role. English formed tipster in the sixteenth century by adding the agent-forming suffix -ster to tip, and the term was initially associated with giving information. Later, its use became especially prominent for people offering advice on betting outcomes. Today it is principally a noun used in sports and gambling contexts, but its broader sense as a source of information remains intelligible.
nounA tipster is someone who supplies tips, especially betting advice, predictions, or recommendations. The word can also denote an informer who provides information to police or another authority.
- A person who gives betting tips or predictions, especially about horse racing or other sports.
- An informer or source who supplies information, especially to police.
"A respected football tipster had the Reds earmarked for promotion."
"The racing tipster's picks had lost three times in a row."
"Police were reluctant to name their tipster until the case collapsed."
The regular plural takes -s.
"The two tipsters offered conflicting predictions for the Derby."
A tipster began as a giver of information; today, the tips are usually predictions about who will win.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tipster come from?
Tipster was formed in English in the sixteenth century from tip and the agent-noun suffix -ster. The suffix comes from Old English and is used to form words denoting people who perform an action or occupy a role. The term was initially associated with someone who gave information, and its now-prominent use for a supplier of betting or sports predictions developed later. The ultimate origin of tip itself is uncertain, so related English formations provide the clearest basis for comparison.
How tipster is actually used
The word is informal and common in sports and betting contexts. In modern promotional writing it may imply expertise, while in skeptical contexts it can suggest unreliable advice. Its older sense of an informer is now less common and may sound old-fashioned or derogatory.