abscam
|ab-scam|
C1
/ˈæbˌskæm/
FBI sting operation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'abscam' originates from a combination of 'Arab' and 'scam', referring to the operation's use of agents posing as wealthy Arab businessmen to uncover corruption.
Historical Evolution
'abscam' was coined during the operation in the late 1970s and has remained unchanged in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred specifically to the FBI operation, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a code name for an FBI sting operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s that targeted political corruption.
The Abscam operation led to the conviction of several politicians.
Last updated: 2025/04/06 17:51