spiv

Etymology
. Perhaps from,. Spiv was the nickname of Henry Bagster, a Londoner arrested a number of times in 1904-6 for activities as described below, and may have been the archetype. Also possibly from, as active and opportunistic.

Noun

 * 1)  A smartly dressed person who trades in illicit, black-market or stolen goods, especially during World War II.
 * 2)  A flashy con artist, often homeless, who lives by his wits.
 * 3)  A low and common thief.
 * 4)  A slacker; one who shirks responsibility.
 * 1)  A low and common thief.
 * 2)  A slacker; one who shirks responsibility.
 * 1)  A low and common thief.
 * 2)  A slacker; one who shirks responsibility.