The word 'grifter' has become a ubiquitous political insult in 2025, with usage more than doubling since 2017 according to the Oxford English Dictionary. From former Labour MP Zarah Sultana calling Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a 'billionaire-backed grifter' to Michael Gove branding lawyer Jolyon Maugham a 'politically motivated grifter', the term is now commonplace in public discourse.
The OED defines a grifter as someone who makes money by shady or dishonest means, or a politician who misuses their position for gain. Fiona McPherson, an executive editor at the OED, says it is 'a kind of shorthand for inviting suspicion about the methods and motivations of someone with an opposing viewpoint'. The term made its parliamentary debut in April 2025, used by Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson in a debate on digital platforms and democracy.
The rise of the insult reflects broader societal trends, including high suspicion of politicians following the 2009 expenses scandal and recent cronyism controversies. The 'true scam' genre in media, covering stories like the Tinder Swindler and Theranos, also feeds public fascination with grift. As politicians increasingly adopt influencer-style tactics, the line between political discourse and online grift culture continues to blur.
