Shark

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ʃɑː(r)k/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)k

First attested in the 1560s, the word meaning 'scaleless fish' is of uncertain origin: it was apparently brought to England, with a specimen, by John Hawkins. The word may derive from the Yucatec Maya xoc, or it may be an application of the "scoundrel" sense (which derives from the German Schurke ("scoundrel")) to the fish; no explanation is agreed upon.

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Alternative forms

• sharke (obsolete)

Full definition of shark

Noun

1. A scaleless, predatory fish of the superorder Selachimorpha, with a cartilaginous skeleton and 5 to 7 gill slits on each side of its head.
• 1569, ''The true discripcion of this marueilous straunge Fishe, whiche was taken on Thursday was sennight

• The straunge fishe is in length xvij. foote and iij. foote broad, and in compas about the bodie vj. foote; and is round snowted, short headdid, hauing iij. rankes of teeth on either iawe, .... Also it hath v. gills of eache side of the head, shoing white. Ther is no proper name for it that I know, but that sertayne men of Captayne Haukinses doth call it a sharke.
• 2011, October 13, AP, Man 'surfs' great white shark, He said he had spoken to a woman who was kayaking off Catalina Island, California, in 2008 when a shark slammed her kayak from underneath and sent her flying into the air. She then landed on the back of the shark, Collier said. "At that point the shark started to swim out to sea, so she jumped off its back," Collier said.
1. Someone who exploits others, for example by trickery, lies, usury, extortion.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 7, “… Churchill, my dear fellow, we have such greedy sharks, and wolves in lamb's clothing. Oh, dear, there's so much to tell you, so many warnings to give you, but all that must be postponed for the moment.”

Synonyms

• (scaleless cartilaginous fish) haye obsolete

Derived terms

From the German Schurke ("scoundrel").

Noun

1. (informal, derogatory) A sleazy and amoral lawyer; an ambulance chaser.
2. (informal) A relentless and resolute person or group, especially in business.
3. (informal) A very good poker or pool player.
4. (sports and games) A person who feigns ineptitude to win money from others.

Synonyms

• (player who feigns ineptitude to win money) hustler

Usage notes

The use of the term by people unfamiliar with pool is rarely well perceived by experienced players.

Derived terms

Verb

1. (obsolete) To steal or obtain through fraud.
2. (obsolete, intransitive) To play the petty thief; to practice fraud or trickery; to swindle.
• Bishop EarleNeither sharks for a cup or a reckoning.
3. (obsolete, intransitive) To live by shifts and stratagems.

Derived terms

• shirk

Perhaps from the noun, or perhaps related to shear.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To pick or gather indiscriminately or covertly.
• Shakespeare, Hamlet I.i.Fortinbras ... Hath ... Sharked up a list of lawless resolutes.

Anagrams

• harks
• HKSAR