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View synonyms for nark

nark

1

[ nahrk ]

noun

  1. British Slang. a stool pigeon or informer.
  2. Australian Slang. an annoying person.


verb (used without object)

  1. British Slang. to act as a police informer or stool pigeon.
  2. Australian Slang. to become annoyed.

nark

2

[ nahrk ]

noun

, Slang.
  1. a variant of narc ( def ).

nark

/ nɑːk /

noun

  1. an informer or spy, esp one working for the police ( copper's nark )
  2. a person who complains irritatingly

    an old nark

  3. a spoilsport
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. to annoy, upset, or irritate

    he was narked by her indifference

  2. intr to inform or spy, esp for the police
  3. intr to complain irritatingly
  4. nark at someone
    to nag someone
  5. nark it
    stop it!
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of nark1

First recorded in 1860–65; from Romani word nāk, nak, nok “nose”; akin to Sanskrit nāsā “nose”; the r is unexplained; nose ( def )

Origin of nark2

First recorded in 1875–80; of uncertain origin, perhaps from Romani nakh “nose,” later conflated with narc ( def )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of nark1

C19: probably from Romany nāk nose
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Example Sentences

That the "nark," with his mean tricks, is a nuisance to wandering beggars is seen in a very short time.

All true wanderers hate him; even the drunken, domineering grinder is treated with civility in a house where beggars see a "nark."

Another "nark" was a drunken drover, who left a saucepan on the fire while he went out for a drink.

By the way, the sight of a pepper-box in a lodging-house kitchen is always a sure sign that the man behind it is a "nark."

Moreover, a few strokes more would interpose the strange sub chaser between her and the Nark, and whoever was aboard would escape.

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