rip-off

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English rip offdeverb. English rip-off Deverbal from rip off.

1. A bad deal; an unfair or exorbitant price or rate.

   “In those days, a hamburger was fifteen cents, and if someone was charging a quarter for a bowl of soup, it was regarded as a rip-off.”

   “Eighty-seven bucks for a three-ounce piece of fish? What a rip-off! Haute cuisine or not!”

2. A theft or robbery.

   “He noticed that the window was ajar, and right away he knew in his gut that a rip-off had probably occurred.”

3. A scam.

   “He promised to mail me a refund, but it was just a rip-off.”

4. A copy, especially one that is illegal or inferior.

   “Are you sure that's a real Rolex and not just a cheap rip-off?”