Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| informare | /in.forˈma.re/ |
| fare la spia | /ˈfa.re la ˈspi.a/ (word by word) |
| fare la soffiata | /ˈfa.re la sofˈfja.ta/ (word by word) |
While informare is the direct verb for informing, the concept of snitching is often expressed through more colorful phrases. In a legal or criminal context, a person who has turned informant and is cooperating with authorities is called a pentito, a term frequently used regarding the mafia. Other related nouns include traditore and spia.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fare la spia literally translates to to do the spy.
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on your intended tone and context. Informare is a neutral and formal verb meaning to inform. In contrast, fare la spia carries the negative connotation of snitching. Fare la soffiata is a colloquial expression that implies giving a secret tip or a heads-up, often used in a more tactical or slangy context than simply 'snitching'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rome, the term tacchino can be used in certain informal circles to refer to someone acting as a "snitch."
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of informare is /in.forˈma.re/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word spia was not native to Latin but was borrowed from a Germanic language like Gothic or Frankish.
- The phrase fare la soffiata uses a word meaning 'breath' or 'puff' to describe giving a secret tip.
- In the context of organized crime, a snitch who breaks the code of silence is specifically called a pentito, which literally means 'one who has repented'.
Examples in context
- Durante l'indagine, abbiamo identificato un informatore che ci ha fornito preziose informazioni.During the investigation, we identified an informer who provided us with precious information.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are talking about a secret at work.
- ChiaraMatteo, non andare a informare il capo.Matteo, don't go snitching to the boss.
- MatteoPerché? Non abbiamo fatto nulla di male.Why? We didn't do anything wrong.
- ChiaraLui non capirebbe la situazione.He wouldn't understand the situation.
- MatteoTranquilla, non informerò nessuno.Don't worry, I won't snitch on anyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snitch” translations and entries informare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (fare, la, spia, soffiata) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fare, informare, la, spia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
