What does nick mean?
Nick is a highly informal word with several established meanings. As a verb, it usually means to steal something, as in “someone nicked my wallet.” As a noun, it can refer to a thief or criminal, especially in British and American slang. In descriptions of objects, a nick is a small cut, chip, or indentation, and the related verb means to make such a mark. British English also uses “the nick” for prison. The word’s meaning therefore ranges from petty theft and criminal slang to comparatively neutral descriptions of damaged surfaces. Its informal character makes it especially common in speech, journalism about crime, and descriptions of everyday mishaps, rather than in formal writing where “steal,” “thief,” or “small cut” may be preferable. Although nick is simple and familiar, its different senses can create considerable comic or dramatic contrast.
Informally, to steal or take something without permission. It can also mean to make a small cut or indentation in something.
"The thief tried to nick the cash box, but the alarm went off."
The theft meaning is informal and often implies an opportunistic or relatively minor act.
An informal term for a thief or criminal; a small cut, chip, or indentation; or, chiefly in British English, prison.
"The police were looking for the nick who had stolen the car."
The criminal and prison senses are informal. “The nick” is especially common in British English.
The plural is used for multiple thieves, small cuts or indentations, or other countable instances of the noun.
"The report described several nicks in the surface of the stolen vehicle."
From quietly taking something to being sent to prison, “nick” moves through several sharply contrasting corners of modern English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nick come from?
The exact origin of the word is uncertain. The verb meaning to steal or cheat is attested from the 16th century, while the noun meaning a thief developed later. The separate sense for a small cut or indentation also has an old history, with its precise relationship to the theft senses remaining unclear.
Related word forms
How nick is actually used
The theft senses are informal and can sound casual or disapproving, depending on context. The prison sense is chiefly British, while “nick” as a term for a thief and the physical-cut senses are also used in American English.