bunko

or bun·co

[ buhng-koh ]

noun

, plural bun·kos.

1. a swindle in which a person is cheated at gambling, persuaded to buy a nonexistent, unsalable, or worthless object, or otherwise victimized.
2. any misrepresentation.

verb (used with object)

, bun·koed, bun·ko·ing.

1. to victimize by a bunko.

bunko

/ ˈbʌŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of bunco

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunko¹

1880–85; shortened form of bunkum; -o

Example Sentences

"He's goin' to call in his bunko-men and take that boat," bleated Mr. Butts to Colonel Ward.

From Project Gutenberg

He cited the operations of bunko swindlers, gamblers and bandits and declared that the city was "wide open."

From Project Gutenberg

There were no burglaries, gambling, picking of pockets, bunko swindling or handbook betting.

From Project Gutenberg

He tries to tell me that this minin' business is all a bunko game, and that there's a paper out for the boss.

From Project Gutenberg

Pa says he thinks I was cut out for a bunko steerer, and I may look for that kind of a job.

From Project Gutenberg