The word 'spiv' is slang for a type of petty criminal who deals in illicit, typically black market goods. The word was particularly used during the Second World War and in the post-war period when many goods were rationed due to shortages. A series of British crime films produced between 1945 and 1950, during the time that rationing was still in effect, dealt with the black market and related underworld, were termed 'spiv movies' or the 'spiv cycle' by critics. Examples are 'Brighton Rock, and 'Night and the City' in which 'spiv' is a main character. Other crimes films which have been quoted as part of 'spiv cycle' are 'They Made Me a Fugitive' 'It Always Rains on Sunday',etc. The comedian Arthur English had a successful career immediately after the Second World War appearing as a 'spiv' with a pencil moustache, wide brimmed hat, light coloured suit and a large bright pattered tie.The word was originally a racecourse slang, but had become widely accepted by 1950. It appeared in a paper crime novel in 1934. The word was popularized by Bill Naughton in September 1945, New Chronicle article, Meet the Spiv. In Agatha Christie's play, 'The Mousetrap', the mysterious character of Mr Paravicini was referred to as a 'spiv'.

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