Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who reveals confidential or secret information, especially to authorities or for personal gain: A "squealer" is someone who informs on others, often betraying trust.
   • (Informal, dated) A young pig; a piglet: This is a less common, informal term for a young swine.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Informant):
  • No one in the gang trusted him after they discovered he was a squealer.
  • The police protected the identity of the squealer who provided the key evidence.
• Noun (Young pig):
  • The farmer went to check on the new squealers in the pen.

Advanced Usage

• "To turn squealer": To become an informant.
  • Facing a long prison sentence, he decided to turn squealer and testify against his associates.

Variants and Related Words

• Squeal (verb): To make a long, high-pitched cry or sound; to inform on someone.
  • The tires squealed on the wet pavement.
  • He was afraid his accomplice would squeal to the police.
• Informant (noun): A more formal synonym for a person who provides information.

Synonyms

• Informant: A person who gives information to another.
• Snitch: (Informal) A person who informs on someone.
• Tattletale: (Informal, often used for children) A person who reveals secrets or informs about others' misbehavior.
• Stool pigeon: (Slang) An informant, especially for the police.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Squeal like a stuck pig": To scream or cry out loudly and shrilly.
  • When he stubbed his toe, he squealed like a stuck pig.

Noun

1. domestic swine
2. one who reveals confidential information in return for money