Word
caper
Phoneticsca·per
US/ˈkeɪpɝ/
UK/kˈeɪpɐ/
Definition
n. a clever or exciting trick, especially one that is a bit illegal or dishonest. It can also describe a light, playful style of dancing.
n. a clever or daring trick, often involving a small amount of dishonesty or illegality. In a musical context, it refers to a light, playful style of dance or a specific rhythmic pattern.
Examples
“The thief pulled off a clever caper and escaped without a trace.”
“The movie is a classic caper film featuring a group of thieves who steal a priceless diamond.”
“While the legal team worked to undo the damage, the public was more fascinated by the audacious caper that had made the criminals overnight celebrities.”
Examples
simple
“The thief pulled off a clever caper and escaped without a trace.”
contextual
“The movie is a classic caper film featuring a group of thieves who steal a priceless diamond.”
complex
“While the legal team worked to undo the damage, the public was more fascinated by the audacious caper that had made the criminals overnight celebrities.”
Real-World Examples
“Guy Ritchie’s crime caper is back with the usual hijinks, swearing and men shaking their fists.” “You’re Killing Me review – did an AI monkey write this terrible Brooke Shields crime caper?” Etymology
Clipping of capriole.
From Latin capparis, from Ancient Greek κάππαρις (kápparis).
From Dutch kaper.
Shortening of capercaillie.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.