David Maurer

About the Author

David Maurer was an American linguist and author renowned for his groundbreaking studies on the language and culture of American subcultures, particularly in the realm of crime and deception. Born in 1900, he earned a PhD in Germanics but shifted his focus to folklore and slang, immersing himself in the worlds of hoboes, prisoners, and con artists during the Great Depression era. His meticulous fieldwork, involving hundreds of interviews, culminated in his seminal work, 'The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man,' which not only documented the intricate lingo and operations of professional swindlers but also inspired the classic film 'The Sting.' Maurer's writing bridged academic rigor with narrative flair, offering vivid insights into the shadowy underbelly of society. He passed away in 1981, leaving a legacy that continues to influence criminology, linguistics, and popular culture.