What's the Meaning of "Snitches Get Stitches?" (Plus, How to Respond to It)

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Discover the meaning and origin of “snitches get stitches”
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“Snitches get stitches” is a popular idiom that means people who tell on others should prepare to face the repercussions. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the phrase, including its usage, origin, and when it’s okay to “snitch” on someone. We’re also providing tons of responses to “snitches get stitches” and other related slang terms.

“Snitches Get Stitches” Meaning & Origin

“Snitches get stitches” means people who tell on others will be physically harmed. It originated in the ‘80s and ‘90s, when gang members threatened to physically harm people who reported information to the police. Today, the phrase is a more casual warning that there will be consequences for sharing someone’s secrets.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “snitches get stitches” mean?

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  1. It’s a warning there will be consequences if you “snitch” on someone, or reveal their secrets to other people. The term “snitches” refers to the informer, while “stitches” refers to the repercussions. Think of it as another way of saying, “if you tell on me, you’ll regret it!” [1]
    • “Don’t even think about telling mom about the party. Snitches get stitches!”
    • “You better not tell Ms. Rollins that I cheated on the exam. Remember, snitches get stitches!”
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Section 2 of 6:

When & How to Use “Snitches Get Stitches”

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  1. If someone is threatening to report you to the cops, school authorities, or your parents, hit back with “snitches get stitches” to stop them. It’s a stark reminder that you won’t hesitate to retaliate against them and there will be repercussions for their actions. [2]
    • Them: “I saw you smoking last weekend. How would your mom feel about that?”
      You: “I don’t know how she would find out since snitches get stitches.”
    • Them: “I’m telling Coach that you lied about being sick.”
      You: “Have fun sitting on the bench for the rest of the season, then. Snitches get stitches!”
Section 3 of 6:

How to Respond to “Snitches Get Stitches”

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  1. This bold and daring response may cause more harm than good, but it’s the perfect choice when you want to assert confidence. It implies that you’re not scared to snitch on someone because they will get punished too. In other words, you’re ready to report them and have come to terms with the potential consequences.
    • Them: “I’m warning you, dude. Snitches get stitches.”
      You: “Well, liars get pliers.”
  2. Use this popular phrase to assure someone that you won’t spill their secrets. It’s a quick and easy way to confirm that you’re on the same page as them and that they don’t need to worry about you. [3]
    • Them: “Snitches get stitches.”
      You: “Gotcha. My lips are sealed 🤐”
  3. This casual and reassuring response communicates that you’ll keep your mouth shut to avoid trouble. Whether it’s due to the warning you’ve received, a personal decision, or a change in circumstances, you agree that it’s better to be quiet. [4]
    • Them: “If you tell mom that I drank alcohol, I’ll tell her you’re playing video games instead of studying.”
      You: “Fine. I promise to zip it.”
  4. If you feel threatened or pressured by someone, this witty line is the perfect reply to lighten the mood. It communicates that you’ve decided not to snitch on someone and that their secret is safe with you.
    • Them: “My boyfriend is the state wrestling champ, so I wouldn’t say anything to our professor. You know what they say…snitches get stitches.”
      You: “Wow, I didn’t know that. Guess it’s mime time.”
  5. The expression “silence is golden” means it’s better to say nothing than to speak, making it a great option if you want to confirm you won’t be snitching on someone. [5] Use it whenever someone threatens you and you want to take the heat off.
    • Them: “If you rat me out, I won’t hesitate to beat you up. Snitches get stitches, you hear?”
      You: “Loud and clear. Silence is golden, right?”
  6. Feeling extra bold or brave? Propose a negotiation that benefits you and the other person. It’s a risky move that might work if you’re planning to snitch on their enemy, or if you can offer them something they want in return.
    • Them: “Haven’t you heard the phrase “snitches get stitches?”
      You: “Yeah, but can we stitch a deal instead? I can help you pass calculus if you don’t tell anyone I reported him.”
  7. If you’re set on snitching, use this response to let the other person know in a lighthearted manner. It’s a witty way to say you’re going to report someone and you’re prepared for any consequences. [6]
    • Them: “Be careful…snitches get stitches.”
      You: “Guess I’ll wear my armor then 🛡️”
  8. If someone cautions you about sharing information but you don’t want to change your plans, use this response to move forward in the conversation. It’s a subtle way to say you don’t feel threatened by the other person and will be vocal about something whenever you want. [7]
    • Them: “I wouldn't tell Laura that Ken is cheating on her. You know, snitches get stitches.”
      You: “I feel bad for her, but let’s talk about something else.”
  9. This short and simple reply confirms you’re not going to tell on someone. Replace “snitch” with “rat,” “tattletale,” or whatever term they call you to make your plan crystal clear—you’re going to keep quiet and stay out of trouble.
    • Them: “Remember, no one likes a rat. Snitches get stitches.”
      You: “It’s a good thing I’m not a rat.”
  10. If someone threatens you and you want to scare them off, turn the tables with this ominous response. It implies that lots of other people know their secret and they might want to watch their back—someone else could report them. [8]
    • Them: “Don’t get it twisted...I will beat you up if you say anything. Snitches get stitches.”
      You: “I hear you, but remember, I’m not the only person who knows your little secret…”
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Section 4 of 6:

Origin of “Snitches Get Stitches

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  1. While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, “snitches get stitches and end up in ditches” became a common threat among gang members and inmates in the 1980s or early 1990s. It meant that people who reported others to law enforcement would be beaten up or killed, especially since loyalty and silence were core values for those involved in illegal activities. [9]
    • The phrase “snitches get stitches” gained popularity throughout the ‘90s because it was frequently featured in rap songs, movies, and TV shows.
Section 5 of 6:

Is it ever okay to “snitch” on someone?

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  1. While “snitching” tends to get a bad rep in society, it’s necessary if someone is engaging in harmful activities that hurt themself, their friends and family, or their community. [10] Most bad decisions are not self-contained, and reporting someone may be the only way they get help. With that being said, it’s best to gather evidence before snitching on someone and reflect on your motives every step of the way.
    • If you have a vendetta or the situation is already resolved, it’s not cool to share someone’s personal business. Spreading gossip is a reflection of your character and it may make you look unreliable to other people.
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Section 6 of 6:

Related Slang Phrases

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  1. When you call someone a “nark,” it means they’re an informant to the police or a higher authority figure. The information they share may be small or large, whether it’s telling a parent that their sibling ate dessert before dinner or telling a cop that they know a person who committed a crime. [11]
    • “Don’t tell him anything important. He’s a nark.”
    • “I would be careful around her. I heard she’s a nark.”
  2. In slang, a “rat” is someone who betrays their friends or associates, especially during tough times. It typically refers to a person who turns people into the police or helps the police make an arrest. [12]
    • “Claire is such a rat—she told my mom that I went to the mall instead of tutoring.”
    • “I wondered why you didn’t have any friends, but now I know it’s because you’re a rat.”
  3. This popular proverb means that future consequences are shaped by your present actions. In other words, you get what you deserve. If you betray people, for example, they will not trust you anymore. [13]
    • Them: “I can’t believe I failed the exam.”
      You: “You didn’t study, so what did you expect? You reap what you sow.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/snitches_get_stitches
      2. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/snitches_get_stitches
      3. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/my-lips-are-sealed
      4. ↑ https://reactfully.com/how-to-respond-to-snitches-get-stitches/
      5. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/silence-is-golden
      6. ↑ https://reactfully.com/how-to-respond-to-snitches-get-stitches/
      7. ↑ https://reactfully.com/how-to-respond-to-snitches-get-stitches/
      8. ↑ https://reactfully.com/how-to-respond-to-snitches-get-stitches/
      9. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/snitches_get_stitches
      1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/learning/when-is-it-ok-to-be-a-snitch.html
      2. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/nark
      3. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/rat
      4. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/you-reap-what-you-sow/

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