Synonyms for "Snitch"
The word "snitch" is often used informally to refer to someone who informs on others, usually in a context where it's seen as disloyal or tattling. Here are some synonyms along with their explanations and examples:
- Informant
- Explanation: An "informant" is a more formal term. It refers to a person who provides information, often to the authorities. Informants can play a crucial role in legal investigations, but the word can also carry a negative connotation similar to "snitch" when it implies that someone is betraying a group or an individual by sharing information that could lead to trouble for others.
- Example: The police had an informant who told them about the location of the illegal drug operation. Here, the informant is helping the police, but from the perspective of the criminals, this person might be seen as a snitch.
- Tattletale
- Explanation: "Tattletale" is a more childish - sounding term. It's used to describe someone, usually a child, who tells on others for minor misbehaviors. It has a connotation of being overly eager to report others' wrongdoings and can imply a lack of loyalty or a desire to get someone else in trouble just for the sake of it.
- Example: Don't be such a tattletale! Tommy only took one cookie from the jar. The use of "tattletale" here shows that the person is being criticized for reporting a relatively minor offense.
- Narc
- Explanation: "Narc" is a very informal and often pejorative term, short for "narcotics agent" but more commonly used to mean someone who informs on drug - related activities or, more generally, on any behavior that could get others in trouble. It's frequently used in street language and has a negative undertone, similar to "snitch."
- Example: Nobody in the neighborhood likes that narc who keeps calling the cops on the local kids for smoking weed. The term "narc" here shows the disdain that the community has for the person who is reporting others' illegal drug use.
- Rat
- Explanation: "Rat" is a harsh and derogatory term for someone who betrays others by providing information. It implies a sense of disloyalty and can be used in various contexts, from criminal activities to personal relationships. It's a very strong way of saying that someone is a snitch.
- Example: He's a rat for telling the boss about our plan to take a longer lunch break. Here, the person is being condemned for revealing something that was meant to be a secret among colleagues.
- Stool pigeon
- Explanation: "Stool pigeon" is an old - fashioned term that refers to someone who acts as a decoy or informant, especially in criminal contexts. It has a somewhat seedy and untrustworthy connotation, much like "snitch."
- Example: The gang found out that there was a stool pigeon in their midst, and they were determined to find out who it was. The use of "stool pigeon" emphasizes the sense of betrayal within the criminal group.
- Blabbermouth
- Explanation: A "blabbermouth" is someone who talks too much and often reveals secrets or information that should be kept private. While it's not as specifically about informing as "snitch," it can imply that a person is careless with information and might end up snitching without really meaning to.
- Example: That blabbermouth at the party told everyone about my surprise party plans. Here, the person's over - talking led to the revelation of a secret, similar to how a snitch might reveal information.
- Teller - of - tales
- Explanation: This is a more descriptive phrase that means someone who tells stories or reports things, often in a way that might get others into trouble. It's a bit more euphemistic than some of the other terms but still conveys the idea of someone who shares information that could have negative consequences for others.
- Example: The teller - of - tales in the office always seemed to know everyone's business and wasn't afraid to share it. This shows that the person is seen as someone who spreads information, similar to a snitch.