snitch

¹

[snich]

verb (used with object)

Informal.

1. to snatch or steal; pilfer.

snitch

²

[snich]

verb (used without object)

1. to turn informer; tattle.

noun

1. Also called snitcher. an informer.

snitch

/ snɪtʃ /

verb

1. (tr) to steal; take, esp in an underhand way

2. (intr) to act as an informer

noun

1. an informer; telltale

2. the nose

Other Word Forms

• snitcher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snitch¹

First recorded in 1900–05; perhaps variant of snatch

Origin of snitch²

First recorded in 1775–85; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of snitch¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

In an intercepted call, Castro and Cano discussed “pinning” the drugs and guns on the suspected informant, but agreed it would only work if the alleged snitch was “already dead.”

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There is something about a healthy personality that feels repelled by a snoop or a snitch.

Read more on Salon

“I’m snitching,” he said, before pantomiming a conversation with a co-defendant.

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To avoid getting law enforcement involved, Clark testified, Combs ordered her to call Ventura, who was at that time Combs’ ex-girlfriend, and said they needed to convince Cudi not to snitch to the cops.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To avoid getting law enforcement involved, Clark testified, Combs ordered her to call Ventura, who was at that time Combs’ ex-girlfirend, and said they need to convince Cudi not to snitch to the cops.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does snitch mean?

Snitch is an insulting name for a person who informs the police or other authorities when others break the law or the rules.Snitch can refer to an informant who reports a crime or a tattletale who tells on someone, especially to their parents or to a teacher. It can also be used as a verb meaning to inform on or tattle on someone. All uses of this sense of the word are intended to be negative and very insulting.Less commonly, snitch can be used as a verb meaning to steal, or as a noun meaning the nose.In the Harry Potter series of books and movies, the golden snitch is the small flying object in the game of quidditch that gets chased after by players called seekers (including Harry Potter himself). Capturing the snitch wins the game for one’s team.Example: We call you a snitch because you snitched on us for snitching the snitch from McGonagall’s office! Next time keep your mouth shut!