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Glite Dictionary
shylock

shylock

1 9.9
A person who lends money at very high interest rates, often illegally
  • noun
  • /ˈʃaɪlɒk/
  • Slur
: [insulto ofensivo para un prestamista que cobra intereses muy altos]
  • CHILI: Well, basically, this guy owes a shylock fifteen thousand, plus he's a few weeks behind on the vig, the interest you have to pay.
  • owes a shylock

I mean every racket there was he was in, you know from Joker poker machines to the number business Shylock and he was a Shylock to Shylock's.

Examples

  • I'm a bookmaker, not a shylock.

    Just the Ticket (1998)

  • - Well, I'm running real low on lump sums, especially with a shylock up my ass.

    White Irish Drinkers (2011)

  • You really were a shylock, weren't you?

    Be Cool (2005)

  • Edie, I was a shylock.

    Be Cool (2005)

  • What he does is make movies about shylocks, 'cause that's all he was.

    Be Cool (2005)

  • Being a shylock?

    Be Cool (2005)

  • I mean every racket there was he was in, you know from Joker poker machines to the number business Shylock and he was a Shylock to Shylock's.

    Danny Jones

  • I mean every racket there was he was in, you know from Joker poker machines to the number business Shylock and he was a Shylock to Shylock's.

    Danny Jones

  • This man is a notorious shylock who charges exorbitant interest rates to borrowers.

  • Many people avoid borrowing money from a shylock because of the unfair terms.

Synonyms

loan shark
vsshylock
30 4.8

A person who gives people money and charges very high illegal fees

is used for extreme high-rate lenders beyond those who cannot borrow elsewhere
moneylender
vsshylock
3 6.1

A person or company that gives money and charges very high interest

focuses on extreme exploitation and unethical or illegal practice
usurer
vsshylock
2 9.9

A person who lends money and charges very high interest

emphasizes unethical behavior as well as possible illegality

Compounds

real Shylock
  • Slur
9.9

A person who lends money and charges very high interest

How Exploitative

loan shark
30 4.8
shylock
  • Slur
1 9.9
usurer
2 9.9
moneylender
3 6.1

Surface Forms

shylock singular
shylocks plural

Etymology

Shylock comes from a moneylender character named Shylock in Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice', who charged very high interest and took advantage of people. So, today a shylock means someone who lends money in an unfair or illegal way.