Snitching

/ˈsnɪtʃɪŋ/ verb

Definition

The act of informing on someone to authorities, or informal sewing/stitching with small detailed stitches.

Etymology

Origins unclear but possibly from Dutch or German sources. In street slang, it became synonymous with informing on criminals. The sewing meaning comes from quick, small needle work.

Kelly Says

Criminal slang flipped the word 'snitch' to mean an informant because informers were seen as making holes in criminal operations—just like needlework creates holes in fabric.

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