Social Question

elbanditoroso's avatar

Is it better to be described as a swindler or as a thief?

Asked by elbanditoroso (33578points) August 8th, 2018

Looking at the headlines about the Manafort trial link

Manafort is described as a swindler and Gates as a thief.

Which is worse? Which would you rather be?

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9 Answers

chyna's avatar

Definition of swindler: Scammers who con people to make a buck.
Definition of thief: a person who steals another’s property.
Not that I would want to be either one, but it’s a question to ponder. I think perhaps I’d rather be a swindler as, IMHO, I think it would take a lot more brain effort to plan out a successful swindle.

kritiper's avatar

It doesn’t matter much since neither can be trusted.

raum's avatar

Between the two, I’d choose thief. It’s a commentary on action rather than character. Seems easier to dispel with facts. Assuming, of course, that I’m neither of these.

Zaku's avatar

Can I be a soundrel, or rogue, instead?

stanleybmanly's avatar

More to the point, what would you call a person who surrounds himself with such types, then appoints them to high government office?

Response moderated (Writing Standards)
Dutchess_III's avatar

I would go with swindler too. I think they have more brains than a common thief.

Mr. Ed was the stable genius.

ucme's avatar

Robin Hood
Dick Turpin
Raffles
Pirates

Swindlers are crusty old spivs with zero charisma, so yeah…do the math (s)

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