blagging

Blagging is British English slang for obtaining something through deception or by persuading someone to grant information or access without proper authorization. The person who does this is a blaggar or blagger. It typically describes social engineering tactics used to gain data, tickets, or entry to premises by presenting a plausible story, impersonating someone, or exploiting procedural gaps. Blagging relies on deception rather than force, though it can carry serious legal and ethical consequences in both civil and criminal jurisdictions.

Origins of the term are uncertain, but blagging arose in mid-20th-century British slang and has since appeared in discussions about security, journalism, and everyday life. In practice, blagging involves crafting a credible narrative designed to lower a target’s defenses and elicit disclosure of information or provision of access. Because it centers on deception, blagging is widely viewed as unethical and is illegal in many contexts, such as impersonation, fraud, or unauthorized access to data or property.

Countermeasures against blagging emphasize verification and security awareness. Organizations implement identity checks, formal authorization processes, and training to recognize social-engineering tactics and enforce the principle of least privilege. Public and private sector discussions of blagging often serve as case studies in security and fraud prevention.

See also: social engineering, con artistry, fraud, impersonation.