What does snitching mean?
Snitching means telling others about someone’s wrongdoing, usually with the intention of getting that person into trouble. The word is most often used when an informer betrays a peer to a teacher, parent, employer, police officer, or other authority. It is informal and strongly disapproving because snitching is generally associated with disloyalty and a willingness to exploit another person’s mistake. In a broader sense, snitching can mean revealing a secret or private information, though it often suggests that the disclosure is unkind or disloyal. The present form can function as a noun, as in “the constant snitching had ruined the friendship,” or as a participial verb, as in “they were always snitching on each other.” It is chiefly associated with American English but is also understood in informal British English.
The act of informing on another person or revealing their wrongdoing or secrets.
"His snitching resulted in his friend being suspended."
Informal and disapproving.
To inform on someone or reveal their wrongdoing, secrets, or private information.
"The witness was accused of snitching to the police."
Present participle of the informal verb “snitch.”
Plural usage is uncommon; “acts of snitching” or specific instances are usually clearer.
"The school tried to discourage the repeated snitchings that had divided the class."
Snitching carries the strong idea of betraying trust, not merely telling someone what happened.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snitching come from?
“Snitching” is derived from the informal verb “snitch,” meaning to inform on someone or reveal incriminating information. The term arose in American English, but the precise origin of “snitch” is uncertain, and proposed connections with words such as “squeal” are disputed.
Related word forms
How snitching is actually used
Informal and generally disapproving. It is often used of a child or subordinate reporting wrongdoing to someone in authority, but it can describe anyone who reveals information in a way that breaches confidence.