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

PDF download Download Article
Discover the meaning and origin of “snitches get stitches”
PDF download Download Article

“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?

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Snitches get stitches” means people who tell on others will regret it. 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!”
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

When & How to Use “Snitches Get Stitches”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use “snitches get stitches” to warn someone not to tell on you. 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”

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    “Liars get pliers.” 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. 2
    “My lips are sealed.” 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. 3
    “I promise to zip it.” 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. 4
    “Guess it’s mime time.” 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. 5
    “Silence is golden, right?” 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. 6
    “Can we stitch a deal instead?” 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. 7
    “Guess I’ll wear my armor then.” 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. 8
    “Let’s talk about something else.” 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. 9
    “It’s a good thing I’m not a snitch.” 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. 10
    “Remember, I’m not the only person who knows.” 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…”
    11. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Origin of “Snitches Get Stitches

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Snitches get stitches” came from urban communities in the ‘80s and ‘90s. 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?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Yes, it’s okay to “snitch” on people if they are hurting themself or others. 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.
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Related Slang Phrases

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    “Nark” 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. 2
    “Rat” 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. 3
    “You reap what you sow” 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.”
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How To Triumph Over Office Politics
      How to
      Deal with Workplace Bullying and Harassment
      How to
      Deal with Problems at Work
      How to
      Deal With a Bullying Boss
      How to
      Report Workplace Bullying
      How to
      Defend Against Verbal Bullying
      How to
      Deal with Mean Female Coworkers
      How to
      Deal With Verbal Bullying
      How to
      Prove Workplace Bullying
      How to
      Defend Threats to Your Job Due to False Accusation
      How to
      Resolve a Conflict at Work
      12 Ways to Cultivate Respect in the Workplace
      Advertisement

      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/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 49 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement