Spiv facts for kids
In the United Kingdom, the word spiv was a slang term used to describe a certain type of person. A spiv was someone who sold things illegally, often on the black market. This word was especially popular during and after Second World War. At that time, many everyday items were hard to get because they were rationed. This meant people could only buy a small amount of certain goods.
Spivs helped people get things they needed, even if it was against the rules. They often sold items that were in short supply.
What Does "Spiv" Mean?
The exact start of the word "spiv" is a bit of a mystery. People have a few ideas about where it came from:
Possible Origins of the Word
- Some think it came from the word spiffy, which means someone who is smartly dressed.
- Another idea is spiff, which was a bonus given to salespeople. This bonus was for selling items that were old or not popular. A spiv might have offered a discount by sharing their "commission" with the customer. This could make a stolen item seem like a good deal.
- It might have come from the nickname "Spiv" for Henry Bagster. He was a small-time crook in London around the 1900s. He was often arrested for selling things illegally on the street.
- Some people also think it might be a Romani word for a sparrow. This could mean the person was a small-time lawbreaker, not a serious criminal.
The word became very well known after an article called "Meet the Spiv" was written by Bill Naughton in September 1945.
How Did a Spiv Look?
Spivs often had a certain look that made them easy to spot.
The comedian Arthur English became famous after the Second World War by playing a spiv. He would wear a light-colored suit and a wide-brimmed hat. He also had a small, thin pencil moustache and a large, brightly patterned tie. This look helped people imagine what a spiv was like.
