Tattletales: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe children who report on their peers' minor misbehaviors to authority figures, often perceived as annoying or petty.

• Jimmy is such a tattletale; he always tells the teacher when someone is talking.
• No one likes a tattletale during recess.

Often used in a negative sense to describe someone who secretly informs on others, usually seen as a betrayal. Commonly used in the context of criminal activities or informal groups.

• In prison, being labeled as a snitch can be very dangerous.
• Nobody trusts Jake anymore because he's known as a snitch.

Usually refers to a person who provides privileged information to authorities, often in the context of investigations or criminal activities.

• The police relied on their informant to gather crucial evidence.
• She worked as an informant to help dismantle the drug cartel.

Refers to a person who exposes illegal or unethical activities within an organization, typically seen as a positive and courageous act.

• The whistleblower revealed the company's environmental violations.
• She became a whistleblower to expose the corruption within the government.