Squeaking

/ˈskwiːkɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Making a high-pitched, sharp sound; also slang for informing on someone to authorities.

Etymology

From Middle English 'squeken,' of imitative origin, imitating the actual sound. The slang sense emerged in the 1800s from the squeaky sounds of shoes worn by spies.

Kelly Says

The criminal slang 'squeaker' for an informant likely came from shoes squeaking and giving away someone's hiding spot—or from rats squeaking, another symbol of betrayal and pest-like informants.

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