snitch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “snitch” mean?
To secretly inform on someone to an authority figure, often betraying a trust.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To secretly inform on someone to an authority figure, often betraying a trust.
A person who informs on others; can also mean to steal something small or insignificant (informal).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both noun and verb meanings are common and understood in both dialects. The 'informer' meaning is slightly more prevalent in US usage.
Connotations
Universally negative, suggesting untrustworthiness and disloyalty.
Frequency
More frequent in informal spoken English and media (crime dramas) than in formal writing in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “snitch” in a Sentence
VERB + on + PERSON (He snitched on his mates.)VERB + to + AUTHORITY (She snitched to the teacher.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “snitch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He'd never snitch on his mates, no matter what.
- Someone must have snitched to the headmaster about the prank.
American English
- If you snitch to the cops, you're dead. (threatening)
- She snitched a cookie from the jar when no one was looking. (stole)
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not typically used as an adjective.
American English
- Not typically used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically or in unethical contexts ('He snitched on the company to the regulator.').
Academic
Extremely rare; formal terms like 'whistleblower' or 'informant' are preferred.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, especially among younger people, to mean telling on someone.
Technical
Used in law enforcement and criminology contexts to refer to a confidential informant (CI), though still informal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “snitch”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “snitch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “snitch”
- Using 'snitch' in formal writing. *Incorrect: The government snitch provided evidence. Correct: The government informant...
- Incorrect preposition: *'He snitched his brother.' Correct: 'He snitched on his brother.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is always pejorative. It implies the informer is acting out of cowardice, self-interest, or malice, not principle. The positive term is 'whistleblower'.
A 'snitch' informs secretly for personal gain or to avoid punishment, often betraying peers. A 'whistleblower' exposes wrongdoing (usually systemic or organisational) publicly or to authorities, often at personal risk, for ethical reasons.
Yes, informally it can mean 'to steal', especially something small or of little value (e.g., 'He snitched a biscuit'). This usage is less common than the 'informer' meaning.
Yes, it's a common, though aggressive, street proverb originating in US criminal subculture, warning that those who inform will suffer physical retribution. It's widely recognised in pop culture.
To secretly inform on someone to an authority figure, often betraying a trust.
Snitch is usually informal, slang in register.
Snitch: in British English it is pronounced /snɪtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /snɪtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Snitches get stitches. (Proverb warning informers of violent retribution.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SNITCH' as someone who gives a 'SNIPpet' of information to the police, causing a 'STITCH' in your side (from the phrase 'snitches get stitches').
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS A CUT / INFORMATION IS A COMMODITY (traded for leniency).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'snitch' be LEAST appropriate?