nark
Pronunciation
/nˈɑːɹk/

Definition & Meaning of "nark"in English

Nark
01

a snitch or informer who tells authorities or others about wrongdoing

nark definition and meaning
Informal
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
narks

What is the origin of the term "nark" and how is it used?

"Nark" is a slang term that appeared in English in the early 20th century, likely derived from British criminal slang or possibly from "narcotics agent." It describes a person who informs authorities or others about wrongdoing, essentially a snitch. The term emphasizes betrayal and disloyalty. It is used in informal, often hostile or critical contexts, including conversation, media, and criminal subcultures, to express contempt for someone who reveals secrets or incriminates others. The term is derogatory and intended to insult; it is never neutral.

Examples
The nark told the teacher who cheated on the test.
02

a lawman concerned with narcotics violations

to nark
01

to irritate or bother someone, especially with small annoyances

Transitive: to nark sb
to nark definition and meaning
Examples
His constant whistling narked her during the study session.
02

to secretly inform on someone or report their actions, often to authorities

Intransitive: to nark on sb | to nark to an authority
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
nark
3rd person singular
narks
Present participle
narking
Past simple
narked
Past participle
narked
Examples
He was known to nark on his friends whenever he was in trouble.
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