National Con Man Day

Young man in a sharp suit, holding a deck of playing cards, standing in a bustling city street, with a hint of mischievous smile.. — National con man day illustration

Welcome to the wild world of National Con Man Day! Prepare to be both amazed and slightly wary as we delve into the mysterious origins and intriguing history of this unique holiday.

When is Con Man Day?

It's national con man day on the 14th June.

What is National Con Man Day?

National Con Man Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the art and craft of the con man. Not to be confused with promoting dishonesty or illegal activities, this day is all about appreciating the cunning schemes and clever tricks that con men have employed throughout history. Whether it's a masterful card trick, an elaborate confidence game, or even a harmless prank, National Con Man Day encourages you to embrace your inner trickster and have a bit of fun.

The Internet Buzz

According to our data, National Con Man Day has garnered quite a bit of attention online. We detected a whopping 202 mentions across various platforms, with the highest number of mentions occurring on 14 Jun 2019. It seems like people can't resist talking about the allure and mystery of con men!

A Notable Con: The Great Diamond Heist

To illustrate the intrigue and audacity of con men, let's highlight one of history's most notorious cons: The Great Diamond Heist. In 2003, a group of thieves pulled off an elaborate heist at the Antwerp Diamond Center in Belgium. Posing as Italian diamond merchants, they leased an office space within the center and gained the trust of the employees. Over the course of a weekend, they broke into the vault and made off with an estimated $100 million worth of diamonds and other precious gems. The heist was so meticulously planned that it took authorities months to unravel the web of deception and identify the culprits. It goes to show that even the most seemingly foolproof security measures can be circumvented by a well-executed con.

Did You Know?

Fun Fact: The term "con man" is actually derived from "confidence man." The con artist's ability to gain the trust and confidence of their victims is what sets them apart. So next time you're wowed by a con man's skills, remember that it's all about the art of establishing trust.

History behind the term 'Con Man'

1849

Birth of the Confidence Man

The term 'con man' traces its origins back to the year 1849. It originated from the United States during the height of the California Gold Rush. This period attracted a high number of opportunistic individuals who employed deceit and deception to exploit gold prospectors. These swindlers, often posing as legitimate businessmen or prospectors themselves, gained the trust of their victims through charm and clever persuasion. Thus, the term 'con man' was coined to refer to these individuals who excelled at gaining people's confidence before betraying them for personal gain.

1849

The origins of the term

The term 'con man' is believed to have originated in the United States in the year 1849. It comes from the word 'confidence,' indicating the trust and belief that con men exploit to deceive their victims. These individuals would gain the confidence of unsuspecting people through their charm and persuasive tactics.

1849

Emergence of Confidence Man

The term 'con man' originated in 1849 and is an abbreviation of 'confidence man.' It refers to an individual who gains the trust of others through deceit and manipulation. The phrase was first used in a popular newspaper, 'The New York Herald,' to describe a notorious swindler named William Thompson. Thompson would approach random strangers on the street, engage them in conversation, and convince them to lend him their belongings by gaining their confidence. This brazen act of manipulation caught public attention and became the foundation for the term 'con man.'

1849

The Origin of Confidence Man

The term 'con man' originated from the phrase 'confidence man', which was first used in the United States in 1849 during the height of the Gold Rush. Initially, it referred to individuals who would gain the trust (or confidence) of unsuspecting victims with the aim of defrauding them.

1849

The Rise of Confidence Games

In the year 1849, the term 'con man' first emerged in popular usage. This was during the height of the California Gold Rush when people from all over flocked to the west in search of fortune. Amid the chaos and excitement, a new type of swindler emerged - individuals who exploited people's trust and confidence for personal gain. These con men, short for confidence men, employed elaborate schemes and persuasive tactics to deceive their victims.

1849

The Rise of the Confidence Man

The term 'con man' originated in the United States during the mid-19th century. In 1849, during the California Gold Rush, a new breed of swindlers emerged. These individuals, known as 'confidence men,' would gain the trust of unsuspecting individuals by exuding confidence and charm. They would then manipulate their victims into parting with their money or valuables through various scams and confidence tricks.

1849

Origins of 'con man'

The term 'con man' is a short form of 'confidence man', which originally referred to a person who gained the trust (confidence) of others in order to deceive and exploit them. The term is believed to have originated in the United States in the year 1849 during the 'gold rush' era.

1849

Origin of the term 'confidence man'

The term 'con man' originated from the term 'confidence man' which was first used in 1849 in the United States. It was a variation of the term 'confidence game', which referred to a swindling technique that preyed on the confidence or trust of the victim. The 'confidence man' would gain the trust of the victim, often by posing as a person of good social standing or authority, and then proceed to deceive and defraud them.

1863

Entry in the dictionary

In 1863, the term 'confidence man' was officially recognized and entered into the dictionary. It was defined as a person who gained the trust of others in order to deceive and defraud them. This solidified the term in the English language and marked the beginning of its widespread usage.

1877

Earliest Printed Use of Con Man

The term 'con man' made its first appearance in print in 1877 in an article published in the Daily Nebraska State Journal. The article used the term to describe a swindler who tricked people into buying worthless parcels of land.

1874

The rise of the 'confidence man'

In 1874, a journalist named William Thompson wrote an article in the New York Herald, popularizing the term 'confidence man.' Thompson detailed the methods used by these swindlers, highlighting their ability to gain the trust of their targets and then exploit it for personal gain. This article brought significant attention to this type of deceitful behavior.

1870

The Art of the Con

By the 1870s, the term 'con man' had become firmly established in the lexicon of American English. It had expanded beyond its original context of gold prospecting and was now applied to anyone engaging in confidence tricks or fraudulent schemes. The con man had elevated their craft to an art form, perfecting techniques such as the shell game, card tricks, and elaborate schemes involving fake investments or miraculous inventions. These individuals were skilled in exploiting human psychology and manipulating their victims' trust and emotions, making their deceptions all the more convincing.

1870s

Evolution of the term

By the 1870s, 'con man' became a commonly used colloquialism to describe individuals who used deception and manipulation to swindle others. The term gained further popularity in American English and soon became synonymous with various forms of deceitful behavior.

1874

Publication of 'The Confidence Man'

In 1874, American author Herman Melville published his novel 'The Confidence Man: His Masquerade'. This literary masterpiece introduced the term 'confidence man' to a wider audience. Through a series of interconnected stories, Melville explored the theme of deception and examined the psychological complexities of these manipulative characters. 'The Confidence Man' not only popularized the term but also provided deep insights into the motivations and techniques of con men.

1879

Coining of 'Con Man'

The term 'con man' gained further popularity and recognition in 1879 when it was officially included in 'The American Thesaurus of Slang' by J.M. Hamilton. The thesaurus provided a comprehensive list of slang terms used in the United States, and 'con man' was featured as a prominent phrase to describe swindlers and cheats. This marked a significant step in solidifying the term's presence in the English language, ensuring its longevity to this day.

1878

The Yale Connection

The term 'con man' gained further prominence in 1878 when a book titled 'The Life and Adventures of Colonel David Crockett, of West Tennessee' was published. The book was written by 'Yellowstone' John Smith, a well-known confidence man of the time. In the book, Smith described himself as a 'con man' and provided insights into the world of confidence tricks. This publication brought the term into popular culture and helped establish its usage.

Early 20th century

Cultural impact

During the early 20th century, the concept of a 'con man' became deeply ingrained in popular culture, particularly in literature and cinema. Numerous novels and films featured charismatic and cunning characters who would trick and defraud unsuspecting victims, further solidifying the image of a 'con man' as a shrewd manipulator.

Late 19th Century

Growth of Confidence Games

The late 19th century saw a significant increase in confidence games, leading to the popularization of the term 'con man.' These fraudulent schemes targeted unsuspecting individuals through intricate methods such as rigged gambling games, fake competitions, and investment scams.

1905

The Confidence Man in Literature

In 1905, American novelist Samuel Hopkins Adams published a series of short stories called 'The Clarion.' One of the stories featured a character named 'Luke Conman,' who was a skilled manipulator and trickster. Adams' use of the term 'conman' in his literary work further popularized the term and solidified its association with deceitful individuals who preyed on the trust of others.

Late 19th century

Evolution to 'con man'

Over time, the term 'confidence man' gradually transformed into 'con man'. This abbreviated version became more popular and easier to use in daily conversation. The shift also aligned with the emergence of similar abbreviated terms in the English language during the late 19th century.

1899

Widespread usage in literature

By the late 19th century, the term 'con man' had become well-established in popular culture. It appeared in various pieces of literature, particularly in stories focused on crime and deception. These fictional narratives further cemented the term in the public consciousness and expanded its usage in describing individuals who swindled others for personal profit.

20th Century

Depictions in Pop Culture

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'con man' gained even more prominence through its depiction in various forms of popular culture. Movies, books, and television shows often portrayed charismatic characters who deceived others for personal gain, further etching the term into the collective consciousness. Notable examples include films like 'The Sting' (1973) and 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002), which showcased the art of the con and their complex protagonists. These depictions added layers to the cultural understanding of 'con man' as both cunning and captivating.

Late 19th Century

Evolution of 'Con Man'

Throughout the late 19th century, the term 'confidence man' gradually evolved into 'con man' through common usage. The shorter form became more widely adopted in everyday language and allowed for easier communication. The term 'con man' quickly became synonymous with swindlers and fraudsters who relied on their ability to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims.

20th Century

Cultural Influence and Media Representation

Throughout the 20th century, the concept of the con man became deeply ingrained in popular culture. Con men became recurring characters in literature, films, and television shows, captivating audiences worldwide with their charm, wit, and audacity. Names like 'The Sting,' 'Catch Me If You Can,' and 'The Grifters' became synonymous with thrilling tales of deception and high-stakes cons. These portrayals not only entertained, but also shed light on the psychology and strategies used by con men, serving as cautionary tales and helping the public become more vigilant against fraud.

20th century

Pop cultural references

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'con man' gained further popularity and recognition through its frequent usage in pop culture. It appeared in novels, films, and television shows, often featuring cunning and manipulative characters who worked to deceive others for personal gain. These depictions contributed to the cultural understanding and association of the term with trickery and deceit.

Modern usage

Broad application

In modern times, the term 'con man' has expanded its application beyond financial fraud and confidence tricks. It is often used to describe individuals who deceive others for personal gain in various spheres, such as politics, relationships, and even online scams. The term remains a cautionary reminder of the risks and consequences associated with misplaced trust.

Modern Era

Expanding Definition

In the modern era, the term 'con man' has expanded beyond its original context. It is no longer limited to describing individuals who engage in confidence tricks, but is also used to refer to anyone who deceives or manipulates others for personal gain. The internet and digital age have provided new avenues for con artists, allowing scams to be conducted on a global scale. Consequently, the term 'con man' now encompasses a wide range of fraudulent activities, such as online scams, Ponzi schemes, and identity theft.

Modern Era

Evolution of the Con

In the modern era, the con man continues to evolve and adapt alongside technological advancements. The advent of the internet and widespread connectivity has provided new avenues for deception, giving rise to cyber scams, online fraud, and identity theft. The term 'con man' now encompasses a broader range of individuals, including those operating in the digital realm. Despite the changes in methods and technology, the underlying principles of gaining trust and exploiting vulnerabilities remain constant, highlighting the timeless nature of the con man phenomenon.

20th Century

Cultural Portrayal in Films and Literature

During the 20th century, 'con man' characters began to make frequent appearances in popular culture, including literature, films, and television shows. These depictions often romanticized the cunning and slick nature of con men, showcasing their ability to manipulate even the most guarded individuals. Notable examples include the film 'The Sting' (1973) and the TV series 'Hustle' (2004-2012), which portrayed the exhilarating world of confidence games.

20th Century

Hollywood Depictions

During the 20th century, Hollywood played a significant role in shaping the image of the con man in popular culture. Numerous films, such as 'The Sting' (1973) and 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002), portrayed charismatic con men and their elaborate scams, further cementing their notoriety in the public's imagination.

1910s-1920s

The Con Man in Cinema

During the 1910s and 1920s, silent films began depicting con men as fascinating antiheroes. Popular movies like 'The Cheat' (1915) and 'The Cliffton Case' (1917) showcased con men as cunning characters who often outwitted their victims and authorities. These films contributed to the public's fascination with the world of con artists and solidified the enduring image of the charming rogue.

1920s

Infamous con men in popular media

During the 1920s, con men became prominent figures in popular media, such as movies and novels. Films like 'The Con Man' (1929) and books like 'The Grifters' (1927) brought the stories of these deceptive individuals to a wider audience. These depictions added to the intrigue and fascination surrounding con men and their tactics.

Present

Continued relevance in modern times

The term 'con man' continues to be used extensively in modern times, often in reference to fraudsters who use deceit and manipulation for personal gain. From notorious scams and Ponzi schemes to the portrayal of con men in movies and TV shows, the idea of the confidence trickster remains a captivating subject. The term has firmly established itself in the English language, representing a cultural phenomenon that spans generations.

1930s

Con Man Terminology

In the 1930s, the term 'con man' started to be used interchangeably with other similar terms like 'confidence man' or 'confidence trickster.' It became a widely recognized term to describe individuals who possessed the ability to gain trust and deceive others for personal gain. The con man archetype became firmly established in popular culture, inspiring countless novels, films, and even songs.

Modern Era

Diversification of Con Schemes

In the modern era, con men have adapted to technological advancements. With the rise of the internet, they have expanded their fraudulent activities to include online scams, identity theft, and phishing schemes. The term 'con man' continues to evolve and encompass a wide range of deceptive practices.

Present Day

Con Man in the Modern Era

In the modern era, con men continue to thrive, albeit with new methodologies in conjunction with technological advancements. From online scams to Ponzi schemes, the term 'con man' remains relevant in describing those who exploit trust for personal gain. Despite increased awareness and measures against fraud, con men's ability to charm and deceive serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and skeptical in today's interconnected world.