Dealer Meaning
Dealer Definition & Usage
A person or company that buys and sells goods or services as their business.
Examples
- "The car dealer offered a special discount on all models this weekend."
- "He worked as a dealer in a local pawn shop, offering rare collectibles to customers."
- "The dealer negotiated the best price for the artwork at the auction."
- "Many online dealers provide a wide range of products, from electronics to fashion."
- "She trusted her real estate dealer to find the perfect house for her family."
A person who sells illegal drugs.
Examples
- "The police arrested the dealer for selling narcotics in the park."
- "She had a reputation for knowing the best dealers in the city."
- "He was caught in a sting operation for being involved with drug dealers."
- "The town has been struggling with an influx of dealers moving into the area."
- "Authorities are cracking down on dealers who sell drugs near schools."
A person who manages or deals the cards in a game, especially in poker or blackjack.
Examples
- "The dealer shuffled the cards and dealt them to each player."
- "At the casino, the dealer smiled as the players placed their bets."
- "In poker, the dealer must follow strict rules about how to deal the cards."
- "The blackjack dealer was quick and efficient, keeping the game moving smoothly."
- "They were impressed by how the dealer handled the complicated poker game with ease."
Cultural Context
The word 'dealer' has evolved over centuries, originating in the context of someone who 'divides' or 'shares' goods. In modern English, it can refer to legitimate businesses (such as car dealers or stock brokers) as well as illicit activities (drug dealers). The term has strong ties to both commerce and crime, influencing its varied usage in pop culture, media, and law enforcement.
The Dealer’s Choice
Story
The Dealer’s Choice
James had always prided himself on his ability to read people. As a used car dealer in a small town, he had honed this skill over the years, knowing exactly when to offer a discount or when to hold firm on a price. But today, something felt off. A customer, who had come in looking for a reliable sedan, seemed too eager, too insistent on certain details. As they walked through the lot, James noticed the man's shifty glances and sudden nervousness. 'Are you sure you're looking for a car today?' James asked, carefully measuring his tone. The customer hesitated, then nodded. 'I need a new car for business purposes,' he muttered, eyes darting away. James wasn't convinced. Something about the man screamed trouble. The car dealer's instincts kicked in, and he decided to keep the conversation professional, not pushing too hard. After all, he'd seen all kinds of people—buyers, sellers, and some that didn't quite fit into either category. As they sat at his desk to finalize the paperwork, a call came through on James's phone. It was a local detective, asking if he'd seen any unusual activity in the area. James glanced at the man across from him, then at the folder in front of him. Could it be? Was his customer the very dealer the detective had been looking for? The tension in the air grew thick as James realized that, no matter the outcome, today’s sale might be one he wouldn’t forget. He leaned back, thinking about how he had once trusted a dealer to get him a rare antique for his collection, a dealer who had later been caught running a much darker operation. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, the customer finally stood up, shaking his head. 'I’ll be back,' he said hastily, before rushing out the door. James let out a deep breath, relieved. The world of business was one thing, but the underworld of dealers and crime was another. He picked up the phone, making a mental note to steer clear of any more deals with shady characters in the future. James's story wasn’t over yet, but it was clear that the world of a car dealer could sometimes overlap with much darker corners of society, where deals weren’t made on cars, but on much more dangerous goods.
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