"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is primarily known as a 1988 American comedy film directed by Frank Oz. The story centers around two con men competing to swindle a wealthy American heiress out of $50,000 on the French Riviera. It is a comedic tale of rivalry, deception, and wit between a sophisticated swindler and a small-time con man. The film was well-received and later inspired a successful Broadway musical. The con men in the story are what the title refers to as "dirty rotten scoundrels" — meaning deceitful and unscrupulous characters who trick others for their gain.
The phrase "dirty rotten scoundrels" colloquially describes people who are dishonorable, untrustworthy, and morally corrupt, often involved in underhanded, deceitful activities. If this phrase is being explored beyond the film context, it refers to scoundrels characterized by their "dirty" and "rotten" behavior—essentially very unscrupulous, disreputable individuals.
