'
Five-finger discount' is a
colloquial expression for stealing or, more specifically,
shoplifting. It has been derived from the use of one's digits or '
fingers', if you will, to take the item and slip it gently into one's pocket or purse.
Some humor has been gained from the use of the word discount to alleviate the common misconception that all
theft is wrong. Whichever clever individual came up with this phrase apparently drew a line between the sale or '
discount' that most stores or supermarkets make on some of their items. Therefore, a five-fingered discount is, effectively, a 100% discount...
This closely relates to a
five-toed discount or the far less common
one-tongued discount, but these two spin-offs of the old classic can only be accomplished in areas where no footwear is worn or where the stolen items are tasted, respectively.