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Meaning & use

snitching

verb, noun·Everydayinformaldisapproving

Last updated

UK/ˈsnɪtʃɪŋ/
US/ˈsnɪtʃɪŋ/

“snitching” is a form of “snitch”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitiveinformaldisapproving

    Telling someone in authority about another person's minor wrongdoing, often when you are involved too.

    Grammar: No object; often followed by on: snitching on a classmate.

    Patterns

    • snitch on someone
    • snitch to someone
    • snitch about something

    He got in trouble for snitching on his friends to the teacher.

    Stop snitching about every little rule we break.

    She was afraid of snitching to the police about the stolen goods.

  2. noununcountableinformaldisapproving

    The act of informing on someone, especially about something minor.

    Grammar: Used as a noun: the snitching, all that snitching.

    Patterns

    • the snitching
    • accuse someone of snitching

    The snitching in this class has gotten out of control.

    He was accused of snitching after the principal found out.

Word forms

third person singularsnitches
past tensesnitched
past participlesnitched
-ing formsnitching

Common combinations

snitch on someone
Don't snitch on your brother for eating the last cookie.
snitch to the teacher
She snitched to the teacher about the cheating.
accuse someone of snitching
They accused him of snitching, but he denied it.
stop snitching
The older kids told him to stop snitching.

Synonyms and how they differ

tattling
Tattling is used mostly for children telling on each other; snitching is broader and often used for adults too.
informing
Informing is more formal and neutral; snitching carries a strong disapproving tone.
ratting
Ratting is slang and often stronger, suggesting betrayal; snitching is a bit milder.

Opposites

keeping quietcovering for someone

Word family

snitch verb
To tell on someone.
snitch noun
A person who tells on others.

Commonly confused: snitching or stitch? snitching or snatch?

snitching vs stitch

Stitch is a sewing or medical word; snitch is about telling on someone.

snitching vs snatch

Snatch means to grab quickly; snitch means to inform on someone.

Practice

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