dobber: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal/slang
Quick answer
What does “dobber” mean?
A person who informs on someone, especially a fellow criminal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who informs on someone, especially a fellow criminal; a snitch. (UK/Aus/NZ) Also, a large float on a fishing line.
Informally, can mean an annoying or contemptible person, or a fool. In fishing, a specific type of buoyant float used in coarse fishing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As 'informer', chiefly British Commonwealth usage; American English rarely uses 'dobber' in this sense, preferring 'snitch', 'rat', 'stool pigeon'. As 'fishing float', known globally among anglers.
Connotations
UK/Aus/NZ: strongly negative, implying betrayal among peers. US: neutral for fishing, largely unknown for informant meaning.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Higher in specific contexts: UK prison/police slang and angling communities.
Grammar
How to Use “dobber” in a Sentence
dobber on [someone] to [authority][someone] is a dobberVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dobber” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He dobbed on his mates to avoid a longer sentence.
- I'm not dobbing you in, but you need to fix this.
American English
- He snitched on his friends.
- I'm not telling on you.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as adverb)
- (Not used as adverb)
American English
- (Not used as adverb)
- (Not used as adverb)
adjective
British English
- He's a dobber mate, can't be trusted.
- (not commonly used as adjective)
American English
- He's a snitch friend.
- (not applicable)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; would be highly informal and likely misunderstood.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Limited to informal British/Australian contexts meaning 'informer'. Angling context is technical/everyday for hobbyists.
Technical
Specific term in coarse fishing for a type of float.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dobber”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dobber”
- Confusing the two meanings ('fishing dobber' vs. 'person dobber').
- Using in formal American contexts expecting 'snitch' to be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used to mean 'informer', it is a strong pejorative slang term, especially in British and Australian contexts. As a fishing term, it is neutral.
Both are UK criminal slang for an informant. 'Grass' is more common and widespread, while 'dobber' (from 'dob in') has stronger Australian/NZ associations but is used in the UK too.
The related verb is 'dob' (in). 'Dobber' is the noun form meaning 'one who dobs'.
They are etymologically distinct. The 'informer' sense comes from Romani/Polar slang 'dob' meaning to betray. The 'fishing float' sense is likely from a dialectal verb 'dob' meaning to bob on water.
A person who informs on someone, especially a fellow criminal.
Dobber is usually informal/slang in register.
Dobber: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒb.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.bɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dobber in”
- “dob someone in”
- “dob on someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Don't be a dobber - don't blabber on your neighbour."
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS TELLING (informer). FLOATING IS SUSPENDING (fishing).
Practice
Quiz
In British slang, what is a 'dobber' most likely to do?