Where Does The Phrase 'Ripped Off' Come From?
27 September 2018, 11:01
What is the origin of the phrase 'ripped off'?
Question:
What is the origin of the phrase ‘ripped off’?
Jack, Worcester Park
Answer:
Name: Erik, New Malden
Qualifications: Studied etymology at Penn State
Answer: ‘Rip’ has been used as prison slang for 'Steal' since 1900s America and so 'ripped off' essentially evolved from that and was used as slang to mean 'stolen from'.
