gotcha

[ goch-uh ]

interjection

1. Informal. got you (used to indicate comprehension, to exultingly point out a blunder, etc.).

Word History and Origins

Origin of gotcha¹

A phonetic spelling representing the pronunciation of got you in continuous rapid speech

Example Sentences

A framing mechanism to make reasonable, obvious questions seem like they’re somehow “gotcha” journalism?

From Slate

So there was no effort at gotcha here, we were just interested in incorporating it.

From Slate

That is reinforced when we watch reporters embarrass themselves in the White House briefing room; whether it’s asking about the vice president’s situational affectation of a Southern accent, or a “gotcha” question about free speech and satire riddled with racist comments.

From Salon

Then, also, just coming to that courtroom at the end, where he’s always gonna get the “I gotcha” moment — there’s something really comforting about that, too, knowing that he’s gonna get the bad guy and that the truth is gonna be exposed.

From Los Angeles Times

It flattens more than it layers on, and it is certainly damaging to progressive movements when identity is wielded as a cudgel or a gotcha.

From Slate

Related Words

• appreciate
• assimilate
• discern
• envision
• fathom
• grasp