Definition

Noun: A person who secretly provides information to the authorities, especially the police, about the activities of others; an informant. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying betrayal or untrustworthiness.

Usage

The word "stoolie" is an informal, often derogatory term for an informant. It is primarily used in contexts related to crime, law enforcement, and underworld activities. It functions as a countable noun.

Examples

• The gang leader was paranoid, fearing a stoolie in his organization was talking to the detectives.
• He turned stoolie to get a reduced sentence for his own crimes.
• The article described the witness as a police stoolie whose testimony was unreliable.

Advanced Usage

• To turn stoolie: This phrase describes the act of becoming an informant.
  • Facing life in prison, the defendant decided to turn stoolie and cooperate with the prosecution.

Variants and Related Words

• Stool pigeon (n): This is the original, longer form of the word "stoolie." It has the same meaning.
  • The mobster was known for dealing harshly with any suspected stool pigeon.

Synonyms

• Informant
• Informer
• Snitch (very informal)
• Canary (slang)
• Rat (slang, strongly derogatory)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• To be a stoolie for (someone): To act as an informant on behalf of a specific person or group.
  • Rumors spread that he was a stoolie for the feds.

Noun

1. someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police