Con
Look up [[con]] in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. '''Con''' is a versatile English word with multiple meanings. It may refer to:- Various uses in language, such as a preposition meaning "with", or abbreviations for "against" or "convict"
- Common concepts like a [[confidence trick]] or a [[convention]]
- Places including [[Con, Burkina Faso]], [[Con, Cornwall]], and [[Con, Powys]]
- Works in arts and entertainment, such as ''[[Con Air]]'', ''[[The Con (album)|The Con]]'', or the song "[[Con (song)|Con]]"
- Brands like [[ConAgra Brands]] or [[Converse (brand)|Converse]]
- Miscellaneous uses in computing, airport codes, or numismatics
Language
Preposition "with"
In Romance languages such as Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, the preposition con (or its variants) functions as the equivalent of English "with," denoting accompaniment, means, manner, or association. This form directly descends from the Latin preposition cum, which meant "with" or "together with." The evolution began in Vulgar Latin, where cum started appearing as con by the 2nd century AD, as evidenced in a papyrus letter by a Roman soldier (CEL 146). Through the divergence of Romance languages from Vulgar Latin, con persisted in the Italo-Western branch, passing via proto-Ibero-Romance and proto-Italo-Romance forms; in Portuguese, it nasalized to com around the 12th century, while Old French briefly retained con before shifting to avec (from Latin apud hoc, "at this place") by the late medieval period.[1][2] In contemporary Spanish, con is a simple preposition that combines directly with nouns or pronouns, often without contraction except in fused forms like contigo ("with you," from Latin conticum). For instance, it appears in phrases like con agua ("with water"), indicating the use of an instrument or accompaniment, as in Lavo los platos con agua caliente ("I wash the dishes with hot water"). This usage underscores its role in expressing possession or condition, such as un café con leche ("a coffee with milk").[3][4] Similarly, in Italian, con serves as an invariable preposition meaning "with," commonly used for company, method, or circumstance, without typically eliding before articles (though it forms col or co' before masculine singular il or vowels for euphony). An example is con te ("with you"), as in Vado al cinema con te ("I go to the cinema with you"), highlighting interpersonal accompaniment. It also denotes tools or modes, like scrivo con una penna ("I write with a pen"). These patterns reflect the preposition's core semantic stability from Latin origins.[5][6] A brief historical context appears in medieval texts, where con features in loanwords to English via Anglo-Norman French, the dialect prevalent in post-Conquest England (1066–1204). In Anglo-Norman legal and literary manuscripts, such as charters or romances, con denotes "with," influencing English administrative and narrative borrowings during the period when three languages—Latin, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English—coexisted in documentation.[7][8]Abbreviation for "against"
In English, "con" serves as an abbreviation for "contra," the Latin preposition meaning "against" or "opposite." This usage entered the language in the 16th century as a shortened form of "contra," specifically in the context of debates and arguments to denote the opposing side.[9] The term contrasts directly with "pro," derived from the Latin "prō" meaning "for" or "in favor of," forming the familiar pairing "pro and con" to represent affirmative and negative positions in discussions.[10] The primary application of "con" appears in decision-making processes, where it denotes disadvantages or arguments against a proposal, most notably in the phrase "pros and cons." Here, "pros" represent benefits or supporting points, while "cons" highlight drawbacks, aiding individuals or groups in weighing options systematically. This framework promotes balanced evaluation by explicitly separating supportive and oppositional elements.[10] Historically, "pro and con" featured prominently in 19th-century rhetoric, particularly in American debates on social and political issues. For instance, university courses in rhetoric and public speaking often structured discussions around pro and con arguments on topics like women's rights, encouraging participants to articulate both sides.[11] Similarly, orations such as William Jennings Bryan's 1880 graduating address at Illinois College marshaled evidence pro and con to build persuasive cases on character and ethics.[12] In modern business and education contexts, "cons" remain integral to analytical tools for informed choices. Business leaders employ pros-and-cons lists to assess strategies, such as evaluating market expansions by listing potential risks alongside opportunities, fostering collaborative decision-making.[13] In education, instructors use this method to teach critical thinking, guiding students through ethical dilemmas by debating advantages and disadvantages.[14] This oppositional role of "con" underscores its enduring function in contrasting relational terms, akin to but distinct from prepositional uses like "with" in collaborative senses.Abbreviation for "convict"
In 19th-century American English, "con" developed as a slang abbreviation for "convict," originating within prison slang to refer to individuals serving sentences for criminal offenses.[9] This shortening reflected the informal language of incarcerated populations and quickly entered broader colloquial use, appearing in criminal glossaries by the late 1800s as a term for prisoners or those with conviction histories.[15] The term gained prominence in 20th-century media and literature depicting prison life, where "con" commonly denotes inmates or ex-inmates navigating correctional systems. For instance, in the 1997 action film Con Air, the word is used repeatedly to describe transported prisoners, highlighting themes of incarceration and escape. In literary works, such as prison memoirs and novels like Norman Mailer's The Executioner's Song (1979), "con" captures the social dynamics and hierarchies within U.S. penitentiaries. This usage underscores the term's role in portraying the convict experience without formal legal overtones. In modern legal and rehabilitation contexts, "con" carries connotations of stigma, often critiqued for reducing individuals to their criminal past rather than supporting reintegration. Organizations advocating for formerly incarcerated people recommend alternatives like "person with a conviction history" to avoid dehumanizing labels like "ex-con," which can hinder employment and social recovery efforts.[16] The term remains embedded in U.S. correctional terminology, where it is most relevant amid a prison population of approximately 1.9 million people as of 2023, including both state and federal facilities.[17] This scale amplifies discussions on rehabilitation, as the slang reflects ongoing challenges in addressing recidivism and societal reintegration for those labeled as "cons."Common concepts
Confidence trick
A confidence trick, also known as a con, is a form of swindle in which the perpetrator gains the victim's trust through deception, leading them to voluntarily surrender money, valuables, or sensitive information.[18] Unlike theft or robbery, which involve force or stealth, this scam relies on psychological manipulation to create a false sense of security and partnership, often making the victim complicit in their own loss. The process typically unfolds in stages: building rapport, presenting an enticing opportunity, isolating the victim from outside advice, and executing the payoff before disappearing.[19] The origins of the confidence trick trace back to 19th-century America, where it became a notable urban phenomenon amid rapid social and economic changes.[20] The term "confidence man" was coined in 1849 following the arrest of William Thompson in New York City, who approached strangers on the street, engaged them in conversation to establish trust, and then borrowed items like watches under the pretense of demonstrating confidence in human decency.[21] By the late 1800s, "con man" emerged as a shorthand, reflecting the growing prevalence of such schemes in bustling cities where anonymity facilitated fraud.[22] Prominent examples illustrate the enduring nature of these deceptions. The Spanish Prisoner scam, popularized in the 1890s, involved fraudulent letters claiming a nobleman imprisoned in Spain held vast riches but needed an upfront payment to secure release and share the fortune with the recipient.[23] A contemporary evolution is the Nigerian prince scam, an advance-fee fraud that originated in the 1980s through postal letters from Nigerian officials promising inheritance or funds in exchange for processing fees, later adapting to email for global reach.[24] At their core, confidence tricks exploit fundamental human emotions to bypass rational judgment. Greed is a primary lever, as scammers dangle promises of outsized rewards to entice victims into risky investments or loans.[25] Sympathy is equally targeted, with fabricated tales of misfortune—such as medical emergencies or political exile—designed to evoke compassion and prompt unsolicited aid.[26] These tactics prey on cognitive biases like reciprocity and optimism, making victims overlook red flags.Convention
In science fiction fandom, "con" is a common abbreviation for "convention," referring to organized gatherings where enthusiasts convene to celebrate shared interests in speculative fiction, comics, gaming, and related media. The term originated in the late 1930s within early science fiction fan communities, with the first recorded use appearing in a 1939 progress report for the inaugural World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), scheduled for 1940 in New York City.[27] By the 1940s, "con" had become shorthand among fans for these events, evolving from informal meetings to structured annual assemblies that fostered community and discourse.[28] Various types of cons emerged over decades, specializing in subgenres and media. Comic-cons focus on graphic novels, superheroes, and pop culture crossovers, while anime-cons emphasize Japanese animation, manga, and cosplay. A prominent example is San Diego Comic-Con International, established in 1970 as the Golden State Comic-Book Convention with just 300 attendees; by the 2020s, it drew over 130,000 participants annually, filling the San Diego Convention Center to capacity. In 2024, attendance reached 135,000. In January 2025, organizers announced the event will remain in San Diego through at least 2027.[29][30] These events typically feature panel discussions, artist alleys, and vendor booths, creating immersive environments for fans to engage directly with creators and content. Cons have significantly influenced popular culture by serving as platforms for promoting media franchises, hosting celebrity panels with actors and directors, and driving merchandise sales that generate substantial economic activity. For instance, announcements at major cons often shape entertainment trends, from film trailers to book releases, while the emphasis on cosplay and fan art enhances creative expression and community bonding.[31] Post-2020, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to virtual cons, with events like Comic-Con@Home adopting online streaming for panels and exhibits to maintain accessibility amid cancellations of in-person gatherings. This evolution expanded global reach but highlighted challenges in replicating the tactile social dynamics of physical attendance.[32]Places
Con, Burkina Faso
Con is a small town situated in Mouhoun Province in the western part of Burkina Faso. The region is characterized by its savanna landscape and proximity to the Mouhoun River, supporting rural communities in the Boucle du Mouhoun administrative area.[33] According to the 2006 national population and housing census conducted by the Institut National de la Statistique et de la Démographie (INSD), Con had approximately 1,500 residents, reflecting the typical scale of rural settlements in the province.[34] This modest population underscores the town's role as a localized agrarian center rather than an urban hub. The economy of Con revolves around agriculture, with residents primarily cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, and cotton, alongside livestock herding, in line with broader patterns in western Burkina Faso where over 80% of the population depends on farming.[35] The area is influenced by the Bobo ethnic group, known for their traditional farming practices and craftsmanship, which contribute to local economic activities.[36] Community life centers on periodic local markets where farmers trade goods, fostering social and economic exchanges, while traditional festivals highlight Bobo cultural elements like music, dance, and mask-making ceremonies.[37] Infrastructure in Con remains limited, relying on unpaved regional roads that link it to the provincial capital of Dédougou approximately 50 kilometers away, facilitating access to larger markets and services.[33] There is no major airport serving the town; the nearest aviation facilities are in Bobo-Dioulasso or Ouagadougou, emphasizing Con's integration into Burkina Faso's rural road network rather than air connectivity.[38]Con, Cornwall
Con is a small coastal hamlet located on the north coast of Cornwall, England, near the town of Perranporth in the civil parish of Perranzabuloe. Situated along the rugged Atlantic shoreline, it forms part of the area's scenic landscape, accessible via local paths and roads from Perranporth, approximately 1 mile to the west. The hamlet's position within the parish places it under the administrative oversight of Cornwall Council, contributing to the region's protected coastal environment managed by the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Archaeological evidence indicates Iron Age settlements in the vicinity of Con, with roundhouse structures and field systems dating back to around 800 BCE, reflecting early Celtic occupation along Cornwall's north coast. These sites highlight the area's long history of human activity, including defensive cliff-top enclosures used for protection against invaders. The hamlet itself is first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Chon," recorded as a modest holding with arable land and pasture suitable for livestock, held under the manor of Lanpiran (now associated with Perranzabuloe). This entry underscores Con's role as a rural settlement in medieval Cornwall, tied to agricultural and fishing economies under Norman oversight.[39] The landscape of Con features dramatic beaches backed by steep cliffs, including stretches of sand exposed at low tide and rocky outcrops that form natural sea stacks. These geological formations, shaped by Atlantic waves, support diverse wildlife such as seabirds and coastal plants, while the cliffs rise to heights of up to 100 meters in nearby sections. The area is renowned for surfing, with consistent waves attracting enthusiasts to spots like Perranporth Beach, just adjacent to Con; international competitions have been held here since the 1960s. Walking trails, part of the South West Coast Path, traverse the cliffs, offering panoramic views and access to hidden coves, drawing hikers year-round. Today, Con maintains a small resident population of approximately 100, primarily in scattered cottages and farms, with many properties serving as holiday lets. The local economy revolves around tourism, bolstered by proximity to Perranporth's amenities, including cafes and surf schools, while preserving its quiet, rural character amid growing visitor numbers to Cornwall's north coast.Con, Powys
Con is a small hamlet situated near Llanbrynmair in the Montgomeryshire district of Powys, Wales, embodying the rural character of mid-Wales with its isolated, pastoral setting. As an ancient Welsh settlement, it formed part of the historic Kingdom of Powys, a medieval realm that encompassed much of central Wales and influenced local traditions and land use patterns over centuries. The hamlet is surrounded by rolling hills dedicated primarily to agriculture, including sheep farming and small-scale crop cultivation, and lies in close proximity to the expansive Cambrian Mountains, which offer scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Home to fewer than 50 residents, Con maintains a close-knit community centered around its community hall, used for local events and gatherings, and a historic church that serves as a focal point for religious and social life.Arts, entertainment, and media
Con Air
Con Air is a 1997 American action thriller film directed by Simon West in his directorial debut.[40] The story centers on Cameron Poe, a paroled Army Ranger played by Nicolas Cage, who boards a hijacked prisoner transport plane known as the "Jailbird" while en route to reunite with his family after an eight-year wrongful imprisonment.[41] The flight, overseen by U.S. Marshal Vince Larkin (John Cusack), carries a group of dangerous convicts led by the ruthless Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom (John Malkovich), who seize control mid-air, leading to intense aerial action and ground pursuits.[42] Supporting roles include Ving Rhames as Diamond Dog and Steve Buscemi as the serial killer Garland Greene, contributing to the film's ensemble of hardened criminals. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and released by Touchstone Pictures on June 6, 1997, the film had a production budget of $75 million and grossed $224 million worldwide, marking a commercial success.[43] Its themes revolve around prison transportation logistics, redemption, and high-stakes action sequences, including a mid-air hijacking, a fiery crash in Las Vegas, and explosive confrontations that highlight the chaos of the airborne prison break.[44] The soundtrack, composed by Mark Mancina and Trevor Rabin, features orchestral scores emphasizing tension and heroism, alongside the hit single "How Do I Live" performed by Trisha Yearwood, which underscores emotional family reunions amid the violence.[45] The film earned two Academy Award nominations at the 70th ceremony: Best Original Song for "How Do I Live" (music and lyrics by Diane Warren) and Best Sound (Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell, and Art Rochester).[46] Con Air exemplifies the "convict" theme through its portrayal of incarcerated individuals in transit, tying into broader linguistic uses of "con" as shorthand for convict.[42]The Con (album)
The Con is the fifth studio album by Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara, released on July 24, 2007, by Vapor Records in Canada and Sire Records in the United States.[47] Recorded primarily in Portland, Oregon, the album was produced by the duo alongside Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, marking a shift toward a more polished synth-pop and new wave sound influenced by their personal experiences with heartbreak and emotional turmoil.[48] The record features 14 tracks, with standout songs like "Back in Your Head," "The Con," and "Call It Off," blending urgent guitar riffs, electronic elements, and the twins' signature harmonious vocals to explore themes of love, loss, and vulnerability.[49] The album's creation was a challenging period for Tegan and Sara, as they self-produced much of the material amid personal breakups that inspired its raw lyricism; Tegan Quin later described it as nearly breaking them due to the intensity of the process.[48] Sessions took place over several months in 2006, incorporating contributions from musicians such as bassist Hunter Burgan of AFI on Tegan's tracks and Jason McGerr of Death Cab for Cutie on drums, resulting in a DIY ethos with layered keyboards and driving rhythms reminiscent of 1980s power-pop acts like the Cars.[50] The tracklist includes:- "I Was Married"
- "Relief Next to Me"
- "The Con"
- "Knife Going In"
- "Are You Ten Years Ago"
- "Back in Your Head"
- "Hop a Plane"
- "Same Thing"
- "Call It Off"
- "Hell"
- "Floorplan"
- "Like O, Like H"
- "Nineteen"
- "In the Water"[51]
"Con" (song)
"The Con" is a song by Canadian indie rock duo Tegan and Sara, serving as the third track on their fifth studio album of the same name, released in 2007. Written by Tegan Quin, the track explores themes of relational deception and emotional vulnerability, with lyrics depicting the pain of being used in a one-sided romantic dynamic, such as "I waited for a nod, I waited for a sound / But it's clearer now that I'm not around."[57] The song's duration is 3:33, fitting into the duo's signature indie pop-rock style characterized by interlocking guitar riffs and an upbeat yet introspective tempo that masks underlying heartbreak. Released as the second single from the album on February 22, 2008, "The Con" marked a pivotal moment in Tegan and Sara's career, produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie with contributions from drummer Jason McGerr.[48] It debuted on the UK Physical Singles Chart at number 82, reflecting modest commercial success amid the duo's growing international presence.[58] The track's guitar-driven arrangement, featuring off-kilter melodies and harmonious vocals between the twin sisters, contributed to its appeal in live settings during their extensive 2008 world tour supporting the album, where crowd sizes expanded from hundreds to thousands.[48] Reception for "The Con" highlighted its emotional depth and innovative sound, earning praise for blending raw indie rock energy with pop accessibility, though initial reviews were mixed—Pitchfork critiqued it as part of "tampon rock," while fans embraced it as a queer anthem of resilience.[48] Over time, the song solidified its status as a cult favorite, influencing subsequent artists and prompting anniversary celebrations, including a 2017 acoustic tour where it was performed regularly to enthusiastic audiences.[48]Brands and enterprises
ConAgra Brands
ConAgra Brands is a major American multinational corporation specializing in the production and distribution of processed foods and snacks. The company traces its origins to 1919, when it was founded as Nebraska Consolidated Mills, a cooperative formed by four milling companies in Omaha, Nebraska, to process grain and flour.[59][60] In 1971, Nebraska Consolidated Mills restructured and renamed itself ConAgra, Inc., shifting focus from commodity trading to consumer packaged goods through acquisitions and diversification.[61] The company relocated its headquarters to Chicago, Illinois, in 2016, where it continues to operate as a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CAG.[62] ConAgra Brands markets a wide portfolio of well-known consumer brands, including Healthy Choice for low-calorie meals, Birds Eye for frozen vegetables, and others such as Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim.[63] These products encompass frozen entrees, snacks, baking mixes, and condiments, distributed through grocery retailers, warehouses, and foodservice channels across North America. In fiscal year 2025, the company reported net sales of approximately $11.6 billion, reflecting its position as one of the largest food companies in the United States.[64] The company's operations center on manufacturing and supply chain management for branded and private-label processed foods, with facilities emphasizing efficiency in packaging, preservation, and distribution. However, ConAgra Brands faced significant controversies in the 2010s related to product safety, including a major 2010 recall of all Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals due to possible Salmonella contamination.[65] Additional recalls during the decade involved items like frozen chicken products and vegetable snacks for foreign matter or packaging defects, prompting enhanced quality controls and regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Department of Agriculture.[66][67] In the 2020s, ConAgra Brands has prioritized sustainability initiatives, with a goal to convert 100% of its plastic packaging to renewable, recyclable, or compostable materials by the end of 2025 (progress ongoing as of 2024, per the Citizenship Report), aiming to divert 33 million pounds of virgin plastic from landfills.[68] The company's 2024 Citizenship Report highlights commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting responsible sourcing of agricultural ingredients, such as avoiding 288,000 lbs of nitrogen via popcorn crop rotation and reducing water use by 15% in tomato production, alongside a goal to eliminate artificial colors from its frozen portfolio by the end of 2025.[69][70] These efforts align with broader environmental goals, such as water conservation and biodiversity protection in supply chains.[71]Converse
Converse is an American lifestyle brand specializing in footwear, apparel, and accessories, best known for its iconic sneakers. Founded in 1908 by Marquis Mills Converse in Malden, Massachusetts, the company initially produced rubber galoshes and waterproof winter boots to meet demand in the northeastern United States. By 1910, Converse had entered the athletic footwear market with its first canvas tennis shoe featuring a rubber sole, marking an early shift toward sports-oriented products.[72][73] The brand's breakthrough came with the introduction of the Chuck Taylor All Star in 1917, originally marketed as a "Non-Skid" basketball shoe and rebranded as the All Star in 1919. In the early 1920s, basketball player and Converse salesman Charles "Chuck" Taylor endorsed the design, leading to its renaming in his honor and the addition of his signature on the ankle patch, which solidified its status as a basketball essential. Worn by U.S. Olympic teams as early as 1936, the Chuck Taylor became synonymous with the sport, influencing generations of athletes and fans.[73][74] In July 2003, Nike acquired Converse for $305 million, integrating it as a subsidiary while allowing it to operate independently to preserve its heritage. Under Nike's ownership, Converse has achieved annual global revenues of approximately $1.7 billion as of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. The brand's product lineup centers on sneakers like the Chuck Taylor All Star, Chuck 70, and One Star models, alongside apparel such as t-shirts, hoodies, and outerwear, often emphasizing customizable and limited-edition designs. Converse holds significant cultural influence in music and sports, adopted by punk rock pioneers like the Ramones in the 1970s and hip-hop artists in the 1980s and beyond, while remaining a staple in basketball and skateboarding communities.[75][76] In the 2020s, Converse has expanded through high-profile artist collaborations to stay relevant in contemporary fashion trends. Notable partnerships include the 2024 releases with Billie Eilish featuring custom platform Chuck 70s and low-tops, as well as designs with Tyler, the Creator tied to his Camp Flog Gnaw festival. By 2025, the brand continued this momentum with a Spring campaign collaboration alongside graphic designer David Carson and agency WØRKS, drawing from archival elements for modern apparel and footwear lines. These efforts have reinforced Converse's role in entertainment, with endorsements from figures like Charli XCX highlighting its crossover appeal in music and pop culture.[77][78][79][80]Miscellaneous uses
Con (computing)
In computing, "con" serves as an abbreviation for "console," denoting the primary text-based interface for input and output operations between a user and the system, typically via keyboard and display. This term encompasses standard streams for reading from and writing to the console device, which handles interactive commands and program output. In Microsoft Windows and its predecessor MS-DOS, "CON" is a reserved device name specifically representing the console, preventing it from being used as a filename to avoid conflicts with system I/O redirection; for instance, commands likeCOPY CON filename.txt allow users to input text directly from the keyboard to create a file.[81][82]
The concept of a console originated in mainframe computing during the 1970s, where dedicated operator consoles—often teletypewriters or early CRT terminals—provided essential control, monitoring, and diagnostic functions for large-scale systems supporting multiple users. This foundational role influenced personal computing, with "CON" formalized as a device driver in MS-DOS 1.0 released in 1981, enabling redirection of standard input (stdin), output (stdout), and error (stderr) streams to the screen and keyboard in the absence of subdirectories and to maintain compatibility with early hardware. These reserved names, including CON, PRN, and AUX, were designed as global "magic filenames" to simplify I/O operations in batch files and scripts.[83][84]
In programming, console I/O is accessed through language-specific APIs tied to standard streams; for example, Python's sys.stdin module reads user input from the console by default during interactive sessions, facilitating tasks like prompting for data via the input() function. Developers use console commands for troubleshooting, such as executing diagnostic tools in the Windows Command Prompt (e.g., dir CON) or piping output to verify system behavior. In modern contexts, consoles remain vital for server administration and embedded systems where graphical interfaces are unavailable.[85]
Linux systems extend the console paradigm through virtual consoles, a kernel feature supporting multiple independent text terminals multiplexed on a single physical display and keyboard, accessible via /dev/ttyX devices and switched with key combinations like Alt+F1 through Alt+F12. Introduced in early Linux kernels for PC-compatible hardware using VGA text modes, virtual consoles provide VT100-compatible interfaces with UTF-8 support and 16-color displays. Updates in initialization systems like mkinitcpio enhance console font loading during early boot via the consolefont hook, improving readability and internationalization on diverse architectures including framebuffers.[86]