Question

Does the term "steal" have any informal or slang interpretations?

2023-06-26

This is what goPenpal answered

Yes, indeed! The term "steal" does have some informal or slang usages and it's just as nimble as a cat burglar sneaking through language.

Traditionally, to "steal" refers to taking someone else's property without permission. However, in the world of slang, it often takes on some new disguises. For example, in basketball lingo, a "steal" is when a player snatches the ball away from an opponent. It's a slick maneuver that can turn the tide of a game!

Then, there's the phrase, "What a steal!" Here, "steal" is being used to describe a fantastic deal or bargain. Picture finding a designer handbag at an unbeatable price. That's a real "steal"!

In the land of art and creativity, to "steal" can mean to borrow or take inspiration from someone else's work. Artists may "steal" from others, not to plagiarize, but to draw influence, much like a magpie gathering shiny objects to create its nest.

So you see, "steal" may be a bit of a linguistic chameleon, blending into different scenarios within casual, informal, or specialized language. But no matter how it's used, it's always got that twinkle of mischief in its eye.

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