Snitched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snitched

[snษชสงt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

informal context

To snitch means to inform on someone, often to the authorities, about their wrongdoing or illegal activities. This term is typically used in a negative connotation, highlighting betrayal and disloyalty. Snitching can occur in various contexts, such as in criminal activities, school environments, or workplaces. The act of snitching may lead to severe repercussions for the person being informed on.

Synonyms

betray, inform, tattle.

Examples of usage

  • He snitched on his friends to avoid getting into trouble.
  • Nobody likes a snitch; it's better to keep quiet.
  • She snitched to the teacher about the cheating.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'snitch' is famously explored in various movies and shows, often portraying the consequences of betrayal among friends.
  • In hip-hop culture, being called a 'snitch' is often seen as one of the greatest insults, representing betrayal in tight-knit communities.

Psychology

  • Betraying someone's trust, like snitching, can often lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety, impacting relationships.
  • Studies show that group dynamics can lead to a culture of silence, where individuals hesitate to snitch due to fear of consequences.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, 'snitching' sometimes refers to informants who provide information to law enforcement, which can be crucial in investigations.
  • Informants can play a vital role in criminal cases, but their actions can also lead to distrust within communities.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of betrayal, with characters facing serious repercussions for snitching.
  • In many novels, the act of informing on another character drives the plot forward, often leading to dramatic confrontations.

Origin of 'snitched'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'snitch', which is believed to have roots in the Old English 'snician' meaning 'to sneak' or 'to creep.'
  • In the 19th century, 'snitch' began to be used in American English mainly to describe someone who betrays another's trust by revealing secrets.

The term 'snitch' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'snitcher,' which refers to someone who informs on others. The word may have roots in the Yiddish word 'sneitzen,' which means to cut or to snitch, indicating a breach of trust. By the 1880s, 'snitch' was commonly used in American slang, often linked to criminal elements, denoting someone who betrays their peers to gain favor or leniency from authorities. Over the years, the usage of the term has expanded into various social contexts, including schools and workplaces, where it maintains a pejorative connotation associated with disloyalty and betrayal. As societal attitudes toward honesty and loyalty have evolved, the disdain associated with being a 'snitch' continues to persist.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,394, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.