dobber-in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (regional slang)Informal, colloquial, slang, pejorative.
Quick answer
What does “dobber-in” mean?
A person who informs on someone else to an authority, often secretly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who informs on someone else to an authority, often secretly.
Primarily Australian and New Zealand slang for an informant, especially one who reports minor rule-breaking or social transgressions. Connotes a sense of betrayal and is strongly pejorative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not used in American English. British English would use 'grass', 'snitch', 'tell-tale'. This term is chiefly Australasian.
Connotations
In its regional usage, it carries a strong social stigma of disloyalty and childishness.
Frequency
Common in Australia and New Zealand, especially in informal speech. Unheard of in standard UK or US English.
Grammar
How to Use “dobber-in” in a Sentence
[Person A] is a dobber-in.Don't be a dobber-in.Who was the dobber-in?Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dobber-in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He dobbed his mate in for nicking a chocolate bar.
American English
- Not applicable. US speakers would say 'He snitched on his friend for stealing a candy bar.'
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's got a dobber-in mentality.
American English
- He's got a snitch mentality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; would be highly unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal Australasian settings, often among friends, family, or children.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dobber-in”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it outside Australia/NZ without explanation.
- Confusing it with the verb 'to dob' (to donate/throw).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, colloquial slang, primarily used in Australia and New Zealand.
The verb is 'to dob (someone in)', meaning to inform on them.
It will not be understood in the USA. In the UK, while it might be guessed from context, the native terms are 'grass', 'snitch', or 'tell-tale'.
Yes, it is strongly pejorative. A neutral or positive term for someone who reports wrongdoing would be 'whistleblower'.
A person who informs on someone else to an authority, often secretly.
Dobber-in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒb.ər ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.bɚ ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dob someone in (the verb phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DOB' as 'Drops On Blabbermouth' – someone who drops information on others to the boss.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMING IS BETRAYING (a social contract).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'dobber-in' a common term?