trickster

Everyday

1. A trickster is a person who tricks or cheats people, often to get their money. tree →
2. In myths and folk tales, a trickster is a clever, playful character who plays tricks on others, such as Anansi the spider, Coyote, or Loki. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and myths the trickster outwits stronger characters, sometimes kindly, sometimes not. In safety lessons, tricksters may knock on doors or send messages pretending to be someone else (scams), so check before trusting. Related: con artist, cheat, fraudster.

Examples

• Anansi the spider is a famous trickster in African stories. tree →
• The trickster sold fake tickets outside the stadium. tree →
• Beware of tricksters who say you have won a prize. tree →
• Loki is the trickster of Norse myths. tree →
• The fox is often the trickster in fables. tree →
• A trickster pretended to be from the bank on the phone. tree →

Note

Plural: tricksters. In myths a trickster can be fun or even heroic; in real life a trickster is someone to avoid. Related verb: trick; adjective: tricky.