The term "clip joint" refers to a place where patrons are pressured to spend more money than they intended to. The spelling of "clip joint" is unusual because it does not follow typical English pronunciation. The first syllable "clip" represents the sound /klɪp/, with the "c" and "l" blending together as a consonant cluster. The second syllable "joint" is pronounced /dʒɔɪnt/, with the "o" making the sound /ɔ/ instead of /oʊ/. Despite its unintuitive spelling, "clip joint" has become a common idiom for a dubious business establishment.
A "clip joint" refers to a dubious or disreputable establishment, typically a bar, nightclub, or casino, where customers are deceived or swindled out of their money through various means. The term originated during the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, and gained popularity during the Prohibition era.
In a clip joint, proprietors and their staff often employ deceptive practices to manipulate unsuspecting patrons into spending more money than they originally intended. This can include employing attractive individuals, commonly known as "hostesses," to lure customers inside. Once inside, customers are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics, overpriced drinks, or rigged gambling games, with the aim of extracting as much money as possible.
Clip joints often play on people's desires for relaxation, thrill, or companionship, exploiting their vulnerability for financial gain. The establishments frequently use various tricks such as inflated prices, watered-down drinks, rigged games, or other forms of deception to cheat customers out of their money.
The term "clip joint" captures the practice of dishonestly "clipping" or deducting money from unsuspecting victims. It is important to note that clip joints are illegal and unethical establishments that thrive on preying on people's naivety and trust.
Today, while clip joints might still be used to describe dubious establishments, the term has also been extended to refer to any situation, organization, or business that deceives or swindles individuals for financial gain.
The word "clip joint" has its origins in early 20th-century American slang. It emerged during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933) and referred to certain types of establishments that engaged in fraudulent or dubious business practices, particularly targeting tourists or unsuspecting customers.
The term "clip" in this context means to cheat or swindle someone financially. It derives from the idea of quickly and cunningly snipping or "clipping" money from a victim. This usage of "clip" as a verb for cheating first appeared in American slang in the late 19th century.
The word "joint" has various meanings, but in this context, it refers to a place or establishment. It is often used to describe bars, clubs, or other social venues.