Loan shark
Meaning
A predatory lender who charges extremely high interest rates, often using illegal or threatening methods to collect debts.
Origin
The term "shark" as a metaphor for a greedy, predatory, or swindling person dates back to the 16th century, drawing its power from the fearsome reputation of the ocean's most relentless predator. These marine creatures are notorious for their sharp teeth, insatiable appetites, and cunning pursuit of prey. When the phrase "loan shark" fully emerged in the early 20th century, it perfectly captured the essence of an individual who preys on the desperate and vulnerable, circling them with offers of quick cash, only to ensnare them in a debt trap of exorbitant interest rates and often brutal collection tactics. The image of the relentless, unfeeling hunter became a chillingly accurate description for these figures in the financial underworld.
Examples
- The struggling small business owner was desperate and turned to a loan shark, which only made his financial situation worse.
- Fear of the local loan shark kept many people from reporting his illegal activities to the authorities.