Con-Man: Abbreviation of "Confidence Man" (or "Confidence Person"). A practitioner of Confidence Tricks, or someone who gains your confidence, to rip you off. Con: Short for "Confidence Game" OR: Abbreviation for "Convict", which is an abbreviation for "Convicted Felon" Although many Con's are Con-Men - not all Con-Men are Cons. Q: How do you tell that a "Confidence Man" is lying? A: His lips are moving. Q: Why did the "Confidence Man" learn Ventriloquism? A: So people couldn't tell when he is lying. Q: How does a "Confidence Man" make money? A: By taking your money and going bankrupt. Q: What happens if you trust a "Confidence Man"? A: You get burned. Q: What happens if you invest in a "Confidence Man"? A: You go broke. Q: What happens if you elect a "Confidence Man" to Government Office? A: The Government goes broke - and turns against you.