loan shark

noun

, Informal.

1. a person who lends money at excessively high rates of interest; usurer.

loan shark

noun

1. informal.
   a person who lends funds at illegal or exorbitant rates of interest

Word History and Origins

Origin of loan shark¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

After all, the press is held in only slightly higher esteem by the public than loan sharks and puppy mill operators.

From Salon

But loan sharks like Tabitha Richardson - who was told to repay more than £173,000 to six victims this week - are on the rise due to financial pressure being felt by people across the UK.

From BBC

This puts Clarence in debt to a loan shark named Jedediah, who could potentially kill him if he doesn't settle up.

From Salon

Migrants from Africa, Asia and South America are mortgaging their family land, selling their cars or borrowing money from loan sharks to embark on long, often treacherous journeys to reach the United States.

From New York Times

“Because they don’t have a stable income, many poor farmers go to loan sharks rather than a bank to borrow money,” said Charlie Loisoong, a labor activist.

From Los Angeles Times