They are nothing but common thieves, and as far as I'm concerned, referring to them an " artist " just seems to add validity to what they do. What do you think?...
2007-08-28 13:16:39 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
its all in the hands of the beholder!
2007-08-28 13:24:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it stems from a couple of centuries back when con men were refered to as con artists (artful dodger in Oliver Twist). The word con has been replaced by scam in more modern times, hence the term scam artist.
Also the term artist is used in reference to heavy drinkers - piss artist. I don't think it is meant as a compliment, just a phrse that has become commonplace today.
2007-08-28 21:01:32 · answer #2 · answered by grumbles1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gee. I always thought it was used ironically. That is calling a scam artist an artist is a bit of a joke. I suspect that con artist is older.
2007-08-28 20:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by Alexander R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the general idea here, Larry, is that a "con" or a "scam" plays on the trust of innocent people.
That's what "con man" stands for: confidence man
To get a stranger to trust you requires a smooth style and a quick tongue. Also the ability to overcome objections without overreacting to them.
So...I don't think it's such a stretch to say there is "artistry" involved. It takes natural talent, and then practice to do it well.
2007-08-28 20:26:30 · answer #4 · answered by Chuck B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because not everybody can scam and get away with it. Only the best at what they do can pull off jobs. In that respect they are very talented, artists at what they do.
2007-08-28 22:11:14 · answer #5 · answered by soulsogood 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd argue that it is an art of sorts. Anyone can hold a gun to someones head and say give me your money. A scam artist gets someone to willingly hand it over, much harder to do. They are still dirtballs, don't get me wrong, but it requires some skill.
2007-08-28 20:25:48 · answer #6 · answered by dcc045 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess they are called scam artist because they are very good at what they do. I mean I do not agree with what they do but they must be good to get away with doing it.
2007-09-04 19:09:12 · answer #7 · answered by kelso 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I'll star your Q. Perhaps it denotes a grudging respect. Perhaps, like the American "huh?" or the Canadian "eh?" some statements need a little more utterance to feel right in the mouth.
2007-08-28 20:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by picador 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
an artist is a person who perfects a skill, therefor a scam artist perfects the skill of scamming.....lol
:P
2007-09-04 03:00:07 · answer #9 · answered by thashez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because playing to someone's instinctive weaknesses, and manipulating them through their flaws, like their greed or vanity is an art- it requires skill, practice, and talent, like other more socially acceptable arts, like playing the tuba or doing ballet.
2007-08-28 21:06:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the are artfull and creative at what the do
2007-09-04 18:58:14 · answer #11 · answered by tpotert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋