It is part of the cycle of Spiv films made between 1945 and 1950. The normally gentlemanly and urbane Nigel Patrick is cast as a cockney spiv. According to the "Oxford English Dictionary" it is synonymous with spiv. A self-confessed spiv, he sold nylons and petrol coupons on the black market. Guitarist Ryo, bassist Zechs and drummer Seiya joined Spiv States in December. A spiff, or spiv is slang for an immediate bonus for a sale. Jun continued Spiv States as the only official member with revolving support musicians. During the Second World War, spiv Horace Pope is taken to court for street peddling. The nearest English equivalent to the term "mangas" is wide boy, or spiv.