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

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!

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nark¹

C19: probably from Romany nāk nose

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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."

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
• private investigator
• prosecutor
• reporter
• sleuth
• spy