Where does “snitch” come from?
I notice the headword is "snitch" but the chain provided traces "snatch." These appear to be different words. Could you clarify whether: 1. The chain should be for "snatch" (not "snitch"), or 2. A different etymological chain should be used for "snitch"? Once clarified, I can write the one-sentence origin summary following your rules.
snitch (English): To inform on, especially in betrayal of others;...
Definitions
- To inform on, especially in betrayal of others;...
Ancestry of “snitch”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | snatch | To grasp and remove quickly; To attempt to seize... |
| 2 | Middle English | snacchen | To snatch (quickly seize or grab) |
| 3 | Old English | snæċċan | to bite, as to taste; nibble |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | snakkijaną | — |