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 snitcher. 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

Derived Forms

• ˈsnitcher, 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

“I’m like, ‘So what you’re saying is, I’m trustworthy, smart, and I ain’t no snitch?’”

From Los Angeles Times

As one young woman who had recently been released from prison wrote in a letter to me, “I can’t even sneak over to New Mexico or Colorado to get help with this snitch on my ankle.”

From Slate

They portrayed DeLorean as the victim of a manipulative snitch who had lured him with the prospect of legitimate investments in his company, later introducing the notion of a drug transaction.

From Los Angeles Times

Juveniles in custody are also often hesitant to report mistreatment or inaccuracies, fearing they will be labeled a snitch or face retaliation from officers, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of the prosecution turned on text messages and wiretapped phone calls between the lawmen after a longtime DEA snitch turned on the same agency that launched his lucrative career as the go-to fixer for traffickers, prosecutors and defense attorneys alike.

From Seattle Times