How to Say "Snitch" in Russian

стукач

stukach

In Russian, the word for snitch is стукач (stukach).

стукач is used to describe a person who informs on others, often for personal gain, similar to the English term 'stool pigeon'.

Meaning: inform on (verb)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is derived from the verb стучать, which means to knock or tap, implying someone who 'knocks' on the door of authority to report others.

стукач is an informal and highly derogatory term often found in criminal slang.

When used as a direct object in a sentence, such as 'I hate a snitch', the form changes to стукача.

stukach

During the Soviet era, the fear of the стукач was widespread, as neighbors or coworkers could report 'anti-Soviet' behavior to the secret police, often leading to exile or imprisonment.
In some Russian criminal subcultures, the term стукач carries a much heavier stigma than the English 'snitch', sometimes even justifying physical retaliation.
The suffix '-ач' in стукач is common in Russian slang to turn a verb into a person, often creating a noun with a derogatory or rough tone.

Том не хотел быть стукачом.
Tom didn't want to be a snitch.
This sentence shows how to use стукач as a noun.
Tatoeba #6858687 by odexed, translation #5732835 by CM
Он стукач.
He's a snitch.
This sentence uses стукач as a noun to identify someone.
Tatoeba #6399599 by marafon, translation #8477327 by CH
Я не стукач.
I'm not a snitch.
This sentence uses стукач to express a denial of being a snitch.
Tatoeba #6858686 by odexed, translation #1989646 by Spamster
В компании есть предатель, который постоянно сообщает руководству о наших проблемах.
There's a traitor within the company who constantly informs the management about our issues.
Макс уже не раз подставлял команду. Ненавижу этого стукача!
Max has betrayed the team multiple times. I hate that stool pigeon!
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Two colleagues are discussing a coworker who reported someone to the boss.

Мария Maria

Сергей, ты слышал? Игорь рассказал всё начальнику.
Sergey, ty slyshal? Igor rasskazal vsyo nachal'niku.
Sergey, did you hear? Igor told the boss everything.
Сергей Sergey

Да, теперь все знают, что он стукач.
Da, teper' vse znayut, chto on stukach.
Yes, now everyone knows that he is a snitch.
Мария Maria

Это очень подло с его стороны.
Eto ochen' podlo s ego storony.
That is very mean of him.
Сергей Sergey

Я больше не буду с ним общаться.
Ya bol'she ne budu s nim obshchat'sya.
I am not going to talk to him anymore.

Sources

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