What does Burglar Mean? (Meaning & Origin)
A burglar is someone who unlawfully enters a building, typically with the intent to commit theft. The term originates from the Old French word “burgle,” derived from Latin “burgus” meaning “fortress” or “castle.”
Slang Words for Burglar
- Catman – Sneaky thief, especially at night.
- Prowler – Person sneaking around properties.
- Jemmy – One using tools to break in.
- Shadow – Silent thief moving undetected.
- Housebreaker – Specifically breaks into homes.
- Grifter – Con artist, occasionally steals.
- Rat – Thief sneaking through small spaces.
- Sneak thief – Steals without the victim noticing.
- Creeper – Moves slowly and silently.
- Latch-lifter – Expert at opening locked doors.
- Moonlighter – Burglar operating at night.
- Wireman – Specialist in disabling alarms.
- Dip – Pickpocket or minor thief.
- Goon – Thug-like thief; often violent.
- Peeler – One who steals from purses.
- Cracker – Expert at safes and vaults.
- Magsman – Trickster who manipulates to steal.
- Nimble Jack – Quick and agile thief.
- Heistmaster – Leads a robbery operation.
- Tunnel rat – Digs to access target location.
Use of Burglar Slang in Example Sentences
- He moved like a Catman, quiet and precise.
- I spotted a Prowler near the neighbor’s yard.
- They caught a Jemmy with his set of tools.
- Nobody noticed the Shadow in the corner.
- The neighborhood had three Housebreaker incidents this month.
- He’s a smooth Grifter; watch your belongings.
- A Rat can easily slip through that window.
- The Sneak thief left without a trace.
- She’s a Creeper, and always moves in silence.
- He’s a skilled Latch-lifter, no lock’s safe.
- The shop got hit by a Moonlighter
- The bank’s Wireman ensured the alarms worked.
- Be careful in the crowd; there’s a Dip.
- That Goon doesn’t mind using brute force.
- Her wallet was empty, thanks to a Peeler.
- The Cracker had the safe open in minutes.
- That Magsman tricked her out of her jewelry.
- The Nimble Jack darted between the guards.
- The heist’s success was due to the Heistmaster.
- Their vault was breached by a Tunnel rat.
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