tinhorn

[ tin-hawrn ]

noun

1. someone, especially a gambler, who pretends to be important but actually has little money, influence, or skill.

adjective

1. cheap and insignificant; small-time:

   a tinhorn racket.

tinhorn

/ ˈtɪnˌhɔːn /

noun

1. a cheap pretentious person, esp a gambler with extravagant claims

adjective

1. cheap and showy

Word History and Origins

Origin of tinhorn¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; tin + horn

Example Sentences

That makes them mad and the tinhorn bunch keep stirring up trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

But we don't get many men with your background—cop, tinhorn, fighter—who have brains enough for our work.

From Project Gutenberg

When Tinhorn dealt him another jack he bought more chips and backed his pair, for Tinhorn, as yet, had none in sight.

From Project Gutenberg

The next turn showed up a queen for Tinhorn and a three-spot for Smith.

From Project Gutenberg

But there was one person his story did involve, and that was Spiker, the tinhorn, tenderfoot sport of Noches.

From Project Gutenberg