file
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A cunning or resourceful person.
Register: archaic, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Will is an old file, in spite of his smooth face.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A pickpocket.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “file” mean?
A cunning or resourceful person.
Is “file” formal or informal?
file is generally archaic, slang.