Smalltime Meaning in English
word
Definition
Describes a person, organization, or activity that is not important, powerful, or successful; often used for minor criminals or low-level operations.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes mildly insulting. Usually used for people or activities considered insignificant, especially in crime ("smalltime crook"). Not used to describe objects or neutral situations. Similar to "petty" but more colloquial.
Example Sentences
He's just a smalltime thief with no real power.
basic
The police arrested a smalltime drug dealer last night.
basic
Many gangs started as smalltime operations.
basic
Don't worry about him—he's smalltime compared to the real bosses.
natural
They thought they could scare us, but those guys are strictly smalltime.
natural
After years in smalltime jobs, she finally landed a real position at a big company.
natural