All right, I'll take the nodeshell challenge.

Dirty tricks: something sly, deceiving, and usually pretty unethical done to you that puts you at a disadvantage compared to them, the people perpetrating the tricks.

Good examples of this would be:

• Food labeling in the USA. Go buy a regular 16 ounce bottle of Nesquik. Note that the label states that you will get 25% of your RDA of saturated fat from this product. From one serving. There are two servings in a bottle, even though you'll probably slam the entire bottle in one gulp. You've just received 50% of your RDA of saturated fat. Dirty tricks were used!
• Look at the gradations on that free plastic scoop that comes in your mega sized box of laundry detergent. You'll note that usually it only takes half a scoop to do one normal sized load of wash. Many people, however, instinctually fill the whole scoop. They've just been encouraged to waste, ensuring a more rapid re-purchase of detergent, thus dirty tricks were used.
• You're at your local computer superstore and notice a very large, intimidating sign stating that the store reserves the right to search any and all packages that may be in your possession upon entering ... and leaving ... the establishment. Since many people will assume this sign has the force of law, they will meekly submit to what amounts to an illegal search and once again dirty tricks were used to assure their compliance.

You'll note that most times dirty tricks are used, they take advantage of your complacence, ignorance, and trusting nature.

Participate in your own manipulation. It's far more fun.