Shoplifting is spelled with two 'p's, despite the fact that it sounds like it should only have one. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈʃɒplɪftɪŋ/. The first 'p' is silent, but it is still necessary to indicate the original spelling of the word, which combines 'shop' and 'lifting.' The second 'p' is pronounced, and it creates a short, sharp sound in the middle of the word. Despite its deceptive spelling, shoplifting is a serious crime that can have serious consequences.
Shoplifting is a criminal act characterized by the act of illegally taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it. It refers to the act of stealing goods from a store or shop with the intention to deprive the retailer of its rightful sale value. This illegal activity typically involves a person surreptitiously concealing or misappropriating items in their possession, often from a retailer's shelves or display areas, and leaving the premises without paying for these items.
Shoplifting is considered a theft crime and is punishable under the law in many jurisdictions. The act undermines the integrity of the retail industry by causing financial losses to businesses, affecting their profitability, and potentially leading to increased prices for consumers. It also creates challenges for retailers that need to maintain secure environments and employ various measures to prevent and deter theft.
Shoplifting can take various forms, such as concealing merchandise in bags, clothing, or other means, altering or tampering with price tags, or swapping labels/tags to obtain lower prices. Additionally, the use of technology and the internet has expanded the scope of shoplifting to include online retail sites, where individuals engage in activities like fraudulent transactions, unauthorized use of gift cards, or exploiting return policies.
The consequences of shoplifting can range from civil penalties, such as fines or restitution, to criminal charges, which may result in imprisonment, probation, or mandatory counseling. The severity of punishment may depend on the value of the items stolen and the number of prior convictions. Retailers employ security measures like surveillance cameras, security tags, and trained personnel to discourage and apprehend shoplifters. Additionally, public awareness campaigns aim to educate individuals about the consequences of shoplifting and the negative impact it has on society.
Stealing from a shop.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "shoplifting" is derived from the combination of two words: "shop" and "lift".
The term "shop" originates from the Middle English word "shoppe", which came from the Old English word "sceoppa" and the Old High German word "scopf", meaning a small retail establishment or a stall.
The word "lift" traces back to the Old Norse word "lypta" and the Old English word "lyft", which means to raise or to elevate. Over time, "lift" developed the additional meaning of taking or carrying away, which eventually led to its association with theft.
Therefore, "shoplifting" implies the act of unlawfully taking or stealing items from a shop or store.