YEGG Meaning and
Definition
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Yegg, a noun, is defined as a slang term originating in the United States in the early 20th century that refers to a criminal, particularly a skilled and experienced burglar or safe-cracker. This term is often associated with the criminal underworld and is commonly used to describe someone involved in illegal activities.
The word "yegg" is believed to have derived from the combination of two slang terms: "yeggman" and "egg". "Yeggman" referred to a professional burglar, while "egg" was a colloquialism often used to refer to someone who was inexperienced or foolish. The fusion of these two terms resulted in "yegg", describing someone who possessed expert criminal skills.
A yegg is typically portrayed as knowledgeable in the areas of breaking into safes, cracking codes, and carrying out successful burglaries. These individuals often rely on their expertise in stealth and cunning to commit their crimes and evade capture. The term is commonly associated with the era of prohibition and the rise of organized crime.
In modern usage, the term "yegg" is not as widely used as it once was, but it can still be found in literature, movies, and discussions about criminal subcultures. It is often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era of crime and lawlessness.
Common Misspellings for YEGG
Etymology of YEGG
The word "yegg" is a slang term that originated in the United States in the late 19th century, specifically within the criminal underworld. It is used to refer to a safe-cracker or a burglar.
The etymology of "yegg" is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories regarding its origins. One commonly accepted theory suggests that the term is derived from the name of a 19th-century criminal named John "Yegg" Hughes. It is said that Hughes was a notorious safecracker, and his nickname eventually became associated with criminals and burglary in general.
Another theory proposes that "yegg" is a corrupted version of the German word "Jaeger", meaning hunter or huntsman. This theory suggests that the term was initially used to describe burglars who were skilled at tracking their targets and breaking into safes.
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