Shyster defined: We have to be clear on our definitions

A shyster ( /ˈʃaɪstər/) is a slang word for someone who acts in a disreputable, unethical, or unscrupulous way, especially in the practice of law, politics or business.

Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 Common alternate spellings 3 Cultural references 4 References

[edit] Etymology

The etymology of the word is not generally agreed upon. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary says it is based on the German Scheißer (literally, defecator),^[1] but the Oxford English Dictionary describes it as "of obscure origin", possibly deriving from a historical sense of "shy" meaning disreputable.^[2] Various false etymologies have proposed an anti-Semitic origin, and some people continue to regard the word as referring particularly to Jews or Jewish lawyers.^[3]

[edit] Common alternate spellings

Shyster has many commonly used alternate spellings, including shuyster, schister, scheister, sheister, schyster, shister, shiester, and schiester.

Also see the term scumbag.  For a good site on shysters, also refer to scumbaglawyersinAmerica.blogspot.com.