filch
C2informal, literary, or slightly old-fashioned
Definition
Meaning
to steal something, typically of little value, in a casual, furtive, or sneaky manner
To pilfer or snatch something small or petty, often implying a lack of seriousness or a quick, sly action
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a humorous or dismissive tone regarding the small value of the stolen item; implies stealth and lack of confrontation
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood in both varieties; slightly more common in British literary or humorous contexts.
Connotations
In both: suggests petty theft with a touch of mischief. In British English, may sometimes appear in period literature or crime novels.
Frequency
Low frequency in both; considered a somewhat colourful or specific alternative to 'steal' or 'pinch'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + filch + Object (e.g., He filched a pen.)Subject + filch + Object + from + Source (e.g., She filched sweets from the jar.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No strong idioms; the word itself is somewhat idiomatic]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; possibly in informal talk about office supplies going missing.
Academic
Rare; might appear in literary analysis or historical texts describing petty crime.
Everyday
Informal use when describing petty, sneaky theft, often with a humorous tone.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He filched a biscuit from the tin when no one was looking.
- The pickpocket managed to filch several wallets on the crowded Tube.
American English
- She filched a pen from the reception desk.
- The raccoon filched food from our campsite.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form]
American English
- [No standard adjective form]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He filched an apple.
- The boy filched some coins from his mother's purse.
- Someone had filched the report from my desk overnight.
- The journalist was accused of filching quotes from a rival's article without attribution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FILCHer as someone who FILCHes things with a stealthy, cat-like approach. Sounds like 'filthy' or 'pinch'—both associated with sneaky, dishonest acts.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEFT IS A SNEAKY ANIMAL (like a fox or mouse taking something).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'фильтр' (filter).
- The closest equivalent is 'стащить' or 'стянуть' (colloquial for steal), but 'filch' is more specific to small, sneaky theft.
- It is not a direct synonym for 'красть' (to steal) in all contexts, as it is more narrow.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for grand theft or violent robbery (incorrect).
- Spelling as 'filsh' or 'filth'.
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates the meaning of 'filch'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, literary, or slightly old-fashioned. It is not suitable for formal legal or academic writing where 'steal' or 'appropriate' would be preferred.
It is possible but atypical. The word strongly implies the stolen item is of small value or the act is petty. Using it for a diamond heist would sound odd or humorous.
'Steal' is the general, neutral term. 'Filch' is more specific, suggesting a sneaky, quick, often petty theft, usually without confrontation.
Yes, but it's not common in everyday speech. It appears more in writing, storytelling, or colourful description to add a specific nuance of sly, minor theft.