cheap-jack

cheap-jack
noun
a seller of shoddy goods
• Syn: ↑huckster
• Derivationally related forms: ↑huckster (for: ↑huckster)
• Hypernyms: ↑seller, ↑marketer, ↑vender, ↑vendor, ↑trafficker

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I. \\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌjak\ noun also cheap-john \\ˈ ̷ ̷ˌjän\ (-s)
Usage: sometimes capitalized J
Etymology: cheap (III) + Jack or John (the names) — more at jack, john
1. : a hawker or peddler : huckster; especially : a hawker who bargains over his goods

cheap-jacks have mingled with showmen, especially on fairgrounds, since the 18th century — Eric Partridge

2. : a dealer in cheap often inferior or worthless merchandise

so many cheap-jacks with their bottled, spiritual cure-alls — G.S.Fraser

II. adjective also cheap-john \\“\
Usage: sometimes capitalized J
: of, relating to, or befitting a cheap-jack: as
a. : often inferior, cheap, or worthless

cheap-jack wares

cheap-jack dramaturgy

b. : opportunistic especially unscrupulously or in dealing in inferior goods

the cheap-jack speculators … destroying the beauty of London — Robert Lutyens

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/cheep"jak'/, n.
1. a peddler, esp. of inferior articles.
adj.
2. of or suitable for a cheap-jack; cheap or inferior.
3. without scruples or principles; underhanded: using cheap-jack methods to evict tenants.
Also, cheapjack, cheap-john /cheep"jon'/.
[1850-55]

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cheapˈ-jack (orig cheap Jack or cheap John) noun
A travelling hawker who professes to give great bargains
adjective
Inferior, of bad quality, worthless
• • •
Main Entry: ↑cheap

* * *

a peddler, usually of bargains, who prices his wares and then discounts them gradually.
cheap|jack or cheap-Jack «CHEEP JAK», noun, adjective. Informal.
–n.
a person who deals in cheap or worthless goods.
–adj.
worthless; useless; inferior: »

The bathroom lacks towel racks and has a cheapjack shower (Bernard De Voto).


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • cheap Jack — cheapˈ jack (orig cheap Jack or cheap John) noun A travelling hawker who professes to give great bargains adjective Inferior, of bad quality, worthless • • • Main Entry: ↑cheap * * * cheap Jack or cheap John, a peddler, usually of bargains, who… …   Useful english dictionary

  • cheap|jack — cheap Jack or cheap John, a peddler, usually of bargains, who prices his wares and then discounts them gradually. cheap|jack or cheap Jack «CHEEP JAK», noun, adjective. Informal. –n. a person who deals in cheap or worthless goods. –adj.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Cheap-jack — Cheap john Cheap john , n. A seller of low priced, shoddy, or second goods; a hawker. Syn: huckster, hawker, tout. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cheap-jack — [chēp′jak΄] n. [ CHEAP (adj. ) + JACK] a peddler of cheap, inferior articles adj. cheap, inferior, base, etc …   English World dictionary

  • cheap-jack — cheap′ jack or cheap′jack n. 1) a peddler, esp. of inferior articles 2) cheap or inferior 3) cvb unscrupulous or underhanded • Etymology: 1850–55 …   From formal English to slang

  • Cheap Jack — One who sells cheap and second rate goods. Cheap jack is a slang term for a person who may also be referred to as a peddler , canvasser , monger or solicitor . These terms have been in use in England since the 16th century as a derogatory… …   Investment dictionary

  • cheap-jack — /cheep jak /, n. 1. a peddler, esp. of inferior articles. adj. 2. of or suitable for a cheap jack; cheap or inferior. 3. without scruples or principles; underhanded: using cheap jack methods to evict tenants. Also, cheapjack, cheap john /cheep… …   Universalium

  • cheap jack — seller of cheap goods, peddler of inferior articles; handseller …   English contemporary dictionary

  • cheap John — cheapˈ jack (orig cheap Jack or cheap John) noun A travelling hawker who professes to give great bargains adjective Inferior, of bad quality, worthless • • • Main Entry: ↑cheap * * * cheap Jack or cheap John, a peddler, usually of bargains, who… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Cheap-john — Cheap jack Cheap jack , Cheap john Cheap john , n. A seller of low priced, shoddy, or second goods; a hawker. Syn: huckster, hawker, tout. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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