How to pronounce scam
Say it like SKAM. Scam is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- SKAM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Scam pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKAMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of scam
American and British speakers say scam in essentially the same way: /skæm/ in the US and /skæm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKAM.
What does scam mean?
- A fraudulent or dishonest deal. A swindle.“That marketing scheme looks like a scam to me.”
- Something that is promoted using scams.“That new diet burger is a scam.”
- To defraud or embezzle.“They tried to scam her out of her savings.”
- To seek out a partner for casual sex; to hit on.
Where does scam come from?
US American carnival slang of uncertain origin.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with scam
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of scam.
Questions about saying scam
How do you pronounce scam?
Say SKAM. The American pronunciation is /skæm/. In British English it is /skæm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in scam?
Scam is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SKAM.
Do Americans and Brits say scam the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /skæm/ and the British form is /skæm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.